How to Replace a Two Pronged Outlet With a GFCI
In many homes across our nation--there exists an inconvenient problem--the two-pronged outlet! Because of the great numbers of homes built between the '40s and the '70s, the two-pronged outlet has become a thorn in the side of new, more technologically-friendly homeowners. So, what are these homeowners supposed to do? Well, you could pay someone to run a brand new circuit to the outlet--or you can simply replace the existing two-pronger with a GFCI outlet. Here's how to do it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Turn off the power to the two-pronged outlet you are going to replace. Use your voltage tester to ensure that the outlet is dead!
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2
Remove the cover plate and the two screws that secure the outlet to the wall box.
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3
Gently pull the two-pronged outlet out of the wall box. Double-check for voltage before continuing.
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4
Loosen the screws on each side of the outlet and remove the wires. Inspect the wires for any cuts, oxidation or breaks in insulation. If any re-stripping or re-bending of the wires is required, use the wire strippers to take care of that job now.
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5
On the back of the new GFCI you will notice one set of screws is labeled "line" and the other set is labeled "load." For this installation you will only be using the "line" terminals.
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6
Take the black wire and secure it to the brass-colored "line" screw. Then, connect the white wire to the silver-colored "line" screws. Leave the load side tape in place and wrap electrical tape around the terminals.
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7
Gently push the GFCI and its wires back into the wall box and secure it in place using the top and bottom screws.
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8
Install the new cover plate and turn the circuit back on. Now, you can plug in your three-pronged electrical items without worry!
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Tips & Warnings
In older homes, sometimes the outlet's cover plate can get covered over with layers of paint. Once the power is off, use a sharp knife to cut around the plate to prevent the paint from ripping up the wall.
Once you have the old outlet removed, test fit the new GFCI to make sure it fits inside the wall box. If it doesn't fit, you will have to install a newer, larger wall box.
If your home was built in the 1970s, check inside the wall box for a ground wire. It may have been initially run, but never used. If you have a ground wire you can install a regular three-pronged outlet instead of the GFCI.
