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    ssjdbz's Avatar
    ssjdbz Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Mar 29, 2007, 01:49 PM
    Converting 2-prong outlets to 3-prong
    I live in an old house were only a few of the outlets are 3-prongs. I want to change all the existing 2-prong outlets (as buying cheaters is annoying) to some GFCI outlets, but I have a problem.
    There are no light fixtures in the house, and all the light switches run the top slot on the outlets, which are all made for three plug-ins.

    Ex: (imagine you are looking right at the outlet, but can't see the edges)

    | l (Plug-in 1 (lightswitch))

    | l (Plug-in 2)

    | l (Plug-in 3)


    (All my lamps run off the top plug-in)


    Is it still possible to put in GFCI outlets with this setup without rewiring the whole house? And without an electrician?
    Or could I set up some of the GFCI outlets to run off the light switches as well?

    Any help is really appreciated.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Mar 31, 2007, 04:50 AM
    I do not believe there are GFI receptacles that can be split for the purpose you need, to have one half hot and one half switched.

    I assume you want to upgrade the 2 wire outlets to three wire, and there is no ground. Protecting the new 3 wire outlets with a GFI is allowed, as you seem to be aware of. Are you sure there is no ground in the box?

    May be much easier to install a GFI circuit breaker to protect the entire circuit, which then will allow you to install the standard three wire receptacle, and split them at the switched outlets as needed. Just be sure to label any ungrounded 3 wire outlet with a label "No Equipment Ground".

    Hope this helps.
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