Concerned about electrical Issue

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

11/04/2007 10:02:35 AM · #1

I live in a home thatâ��s over 60 years old and all the electrical wall outlets are two-pronged and I want to swap them for three-pronged outlets. There must be a way of doing it without replacing the wiring.

The rooms lack the adequate amount of electrical outlets per room for todayâ��s electrical needs compared to fifty years ago and I need to get these outlets grounded properly by todayâ��s standards.

I rent but know the landlord will not replace the wiring. I concerned about fire from outlets that are not properly grounded.

Any suggestions?

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/04/2007 10:07:15 AM · #2

you can use a adapter or replace outlet with GFCI outlet

kawesttex

Apple iPhone 11 Pro

11/04/2007 10:09:30 AM · #3

My house in Abilene had old cloth covered 2 wire outlets. The first thing you probably need to look at is the breaker box. Ours was an 80 Amp/8 breaker box. Totally inadequate for a home today. Replaced it with a 200 Amp box for about $1500.00, professionally installed. There was 200 amp service to the house but the first weak link may be your breaker box. Then we had the wiring replaced at a cost of $3500.00.

I don't know if you could address this to your landlord as a safety issue. If unwilling there may be something in rental property laws that may back you up in your quest to get the house safely upgraded.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

11/04/2007 10:09:46 AM · #4

Dealing With Old Outlets
Q: Can a two-prong outlet be replaced with a three-prong outlet? If so, what additional work is necessary beyond installing the outlet itself?
TOM DRAGAS
EAST MEADOW, NY

Answer at Popular Mechanics...

Message edited by ClubJuggle - Copyright - Replaced with link to source.

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

11/04/2007 10:28:06 AM · #5

Originally posted by TLL061:

Dealing With Old Outlets
Q: Can a two-prong outlet be replaced with a three-prong outlet? If so, what additional work is necessary beyond installing the outlet itself?
TOM DRAGAS
EAST MEADOW, NY

Tom, thanks for the very useful information! I hope you don't mind, but in the interest of copyright I've replaced the text of the article with a link to its source.

Thanks,
~Terry

Message edited by author 2007-11-04 10:34:33.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

11/04/2007 10:28:52 AM · #6

Thanks for the replies.

I have been renting this home for 9 years and lately have noticed several problems. One problem, my dryer which is electrical 220v (newer wiring) has gone out three times. The company even replaced my dryer under warranty. When the dryer goes out the kitchen light and stove hood goes at the same time.

Another issue is in one of the bedrooms. A particular outlet will go out and not work for a while then will begin to work, sometimes the next day or longer.

We go through light bulbs excessively fast. They seem to burn out even when on.

Only one outlet in the bathroom and it don't work.

The cable company came out the other week to check my service. When he disconnected a cable he go hit with a shock. Our cable company uses AC, and he said there was an improperly grounded outlet which caused the feedback of electricity and traced it back to the other bedroom.

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

11/04/2007 10:33:42 AM · #7

Scott,

That sounds like you might have bigger problems than just the two-pronged outlets. It's quite likely you have a broken or missing ground connection. I'm not sure I'd want the liability of messing with the wiring that much in a rented home -- can you convence the landlord to bring in a qualified electrician?

~Terry

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

11/04/2007 10:41:02 AM · #8

When I do have him to check the problem (or any problem) the same man comes out. He does the plumbing, electrical, etc. So I would say he's a handy may. I don't know how certified he is on electrical. He is also elderly and hard of hearing.

Don't get me wrong, I have a great landlord but when it comes to an issue of this magnitude I don't want a handyman checking or doing the work. I want a certified electrician.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

11/04/2007 10:42:50 AM · #9

Don't mind , sorry about the long post

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

11/04/2007 10:43:06 AM · #10

Originally posted by swhiddon:

Have you tried telling him that? The landlord might not fully understand that this is a bigger problem than a handyman can handle.

~Terry

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

11/04/2007 10:47:05 AM · #11

To be fair to the landlord, No. I have not told him that yet. I am in the middle of having the the house painted. When I get through I'm going to address the problem to him again and explain the concerns I have.

Edit to clarify: I have told him about the electrical issues. He and the handyman fixed the kitchen and line to dryer once. But it has went out again. Currently we are without a dryer. I don't want to buy another to have it happen once more. So we are having to do our laundry else were.

Edit to clarify: I cant do the painting so I had to get someone to paint it for me.

Message edited by author 2007-11-04 10:55:40.

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

11/04/2007 10:49:14 AM · #12

Originally posted by swhiddon:

I dont know the laws in your state, but in MO if you are a renter, you dont have the right to do any modifications or repairs to anything in the house without the consent of the landlord. Meaning that you cant legally have anyone come in and do any repairs to anything. I'd suggest you ask the landlord to come over and show and explain to him your concerns. As a renter of 9 years I would think that you would have a relationship with your landlord that would help your cause.

MattO