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    SaltyBob's Avatar
    SaltyBob Posts: 25, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 28, 2008, 01:17 AM
    Bath Room Razor Outlet to GFCI
    Hi there, I recently moved into a house that has an outlet in the bathroom next to the sink but it is one of those Razor Only outlets (single 2 prong outlet no ground with a metal back plate) I was wondering if it is possible to change this outlet to a GFCI outlet for use for hair dryer é curling iron etc --- I have seen these outlets in other homes (with the outlet in relatively the same area - next to the sink).

    Is it possible to just replace the outlet and back plate, or is it a big can of worms with new lines being strung etc.

    Thanks for your help guys.
    WallyHelps's Avatar
    WallyHelps Posts: 1,018, Reputation: 136
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Apr 28, 2008, 04:10 AM
    The important thing is whether you have a ground wire in there or not. If you do, it should be fine to switch to a GFCI outlet.

    If there is not a ground wire in there, then it starts to be a big can of worms.

    Good Luck,
    WallyH
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 28, 2008, 07:03 AM
    Actually GFCI's can be used without a ground. The outlet needs to be labeled as such. The labels are usually included in the box.
    SaltyBob's Avatar
    SaltyBob Posts: 25, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Apr 28, 2008, 07:06 PM
    Hey guys,

    Thanks for the input, I opened up the box and it has a ground as well as black and white cables, should be a snap to install now!
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Apr 28, 2008, 08:02 PM
    Remember to wire the ground to the outlet screw and also pigtail a ground connection to the metal box. You can't rely on the ground to be made with the screw that attaches the outlet to the box. You can purchase ground pigtails already made up.
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