Ungrounded Outlets

Do You Have An Older Home With Ungrounded Outlets?

If you own an older home (built before 1970) there’s a chance that the electrical system was installed without grounding going to the outlets.

Are Ungrounded Outlets A Safety Hazard?

Yes, ungrounded outlets in older homes can be a safety hazard. A grounded outlet provides a path for electrical current to flow safely to the ground, which helps protect against electrical shock and electrical fires. An ungrounded outlet can potentially cause harm to people or damage to appliances if there is a surge or short circuit.

Additionally, many modern appliances and electronics require a grounded outlet to function properly and safely. If they are plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it can cause damage to the appliance or create a safety hazard.

What Do Ungrounded Outlets Look Like?

Many older homes, usually built before 1970, did not ground outlets. If you don’t have a grounded outlet, it will only have 2 slots. The third, round hole in a grounded outlet is for the ground.

It is possible to use an adapter which will let you plug a grounded appliance into an ungrounded outlet, but that doesn’t save the safety issue! The adapter leaves an ungrounded situation which is unsafe.

If you have ungrounded outlets in your home, it’s a good idea to have a licensed Colorado Springs electrician inspect your electrical system and make any necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure the safety of your home and its occupants.

Give Jon Fitzgerald a call today and let’s get those ungrounded outlets fixed!