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PB 21 · Jun 4, 2009, 09:18 AM

Gentlemen, Im getting a bit of mixed info on this subject and am looking for some help. I have an old house (1950's) with 2 prong outlets and They were wired with old 2 wire rag wire with no ground. The house is on slab and has vaulted ceilings throughout with no attic access. I believe I have a few options

1. Install GFCI outlets at the first outlet in the circuit and connect all of the downstream outlets on the load side of the outlet

2. Install GFCI breakers to all circuits serving the outlets.

3. Install surface mounted wire mold to all the outlets, run new 14/2 with ground and install new outlets.
(TERRIBLE OPTION! )

Im wondering what happens when the house gets sold and a home inspector plugs in a plug tester and it says open ground. I know that if I just installed a ground jumper to the box it would not help due to the box not being grounded but if it is GFCI protected will it be OK.

THANKS FOR TAKING TIME OUT TO READ!

CLINT

ballengerb1 · Jun 4, 2009, 09:40 AM

Did you know that your first two options will give you GFCI protection but you will still not be grounded? Also from what you described the majority of the outlets/receptacles will still be 2 prong unless you have an addition plan not shared.

KISS · Jun 4, 2009, 10:18 AM

Another option is to install AFCI/GFCI breakers because in the latest revision of the NEC, AFCI's will be required everywhere in a dwelling.

There are also some new rules about using "Tamper Resistant" outlets. You can't poke a wire in one side and get shocked.

AFCI's if you haven't heard of them is an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. This looks for a spark signature.

Electrical Contractor: AFCI Basics

All outlets without a ground must be labeled as such e.g. (No Ground) AFCI/GFCI protected.

PB 21 · Jun 4, 2009, 12:48 PM

THANKS SO MUCH GUYS FOR RESPONDING! I am going to replace every receptacle with an updated 3 prong self-grounding type 15 amp tamper proof duplex receptacle. I was told that I would not need to update to AFCI breakers but gfci protection is what the AHJ would be looking for I guess I'm just worried about selling the house and the plug tester of the home inspector still reading open ground. Would I just be better off not changing the outlets and leaving them 2 prong to sell the house or will an open ground not be a problem to the inspector as long as its gfci protected. Thanks for all the help guys

ballengerb1 · Jun 4, 2009, 12:53 PM

You are correct, you do not need to bring your home up to the new arc fault code. Its up to you because you never know what an inspector or prospective buyer will say about the old wiring, there is no disguising it. Most home this vintage have the same issue so you aren't alone. BTW, thatb self grounding receptacle you mention, it will not be grounded and will still test as open ground unless your old wire is in conduit

KISS · Jun 4, 2009, 12:57 PM

I'm suggesting arc fault because of the kind of wiring that you have.

PB 21 · Jun 4, 2009, 04:29 PM

Guys I just wanted to say thanks for the help. I am normally asking and just wanted to add to this with some helpful info if I could so after more investigating I found that per article 406(D)(3), as long as I mark the receptacles "GFCI Protected" and "No equipment Ground" I will be within the code guidelines even if a home inspector has an issue with the open ground. Im def not going to label every outlet so I'm not going to change them right now. Thanks again to everybody who chimmed in on this one. I love this website!

ballengerb1 · Jun 5, 2009, 09:22 AM

Keep in mind that when you are eventually inspected they can not say you are not within codes. Your home had to meet the code enforced when it was built, you do not have to keep upgarding as codes change unless you do a signiticant remodel or addition.