Hi guys, this is my first post, so excuse any errors.

I'm not electrically savvy by any means. I recently moved into an older house and all the plugs only have 2 prongs. Most everything requires 3 prongs so I bought converters... however I also bought a ground tester and there is no ground to the majority of them. Without any major construction, can I do anything about that?

Also, we have 2 outlets in the entire place that have 3 prongs so we tested them for giggles... and they *Do not* have a ground. From random internet searches, I've seen that the 3rd prong is the ground... and that if the outlet isn't grounded, then it's not up to building code standards? Is there anyone who can point me in the right direction (without a bunch of industry language - I don't understand that)? I'd really like it for my computer to not blow up from static electricity.

I'm also concerned that my landlord won't take me seriously because I'm a woman.. lol but that's beside the point. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Respond to this thread or email me directly niennalossehelinn(at)gmail.com

When you installed the 3-prong adapters did you fasten the little green metal tab under the outlet faceplate screw?

If there are 3-prong outlets that do not have proper ground then it is a code violation. Your landlord should have an electrician come through and run proper grounds, or else instal GFI outlets in place of the ungrounded 3-prong outlets.

As you are finding out the 3 prong converters or adapter will allow the plug to fit but do not necessarily provide and actual ground. If you owned this place we might have some additional ideas such as GFCI outlets but since you rent you really need to speak with your landlord. Depending on where you live and local codes he may not be required to do anything due to the age of the home. There are some plug in GFCI adapters but I believe they too require a 3 prong plug to start with, I'll explore that in the meantime.

To answer your question,
Yes I did fasten the little green metal tab under the faceplate screw. Still - no ground.

It is safe for us to assume that there is no conduit or flexible metal cable in this huse so you can't pull a ground from the outlet box. If you have a tesor I would still open an outlet and put my tester on the black wire and then the box just to be sure. If the box is actually grounded you will get a circuit, if it isn't grounded you will have an open circuit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

If you have a tesor I would still open an outlet and put my tester on the black wire and then the box just to be sure.

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DO NOT DO THIS!
This is a rental. You CANNOT do ANY electrical work in this place, even opening a receptacle box.

CALL YOUR LANDLORD.