Extension Cords needed, can't find

Question

I have moved into an older home. All of the outlets are two prong only. Is there an extension cord that will plug into the wall with a 2 prong, but has 3 prongs in the extension part? If not, how am I going to make things work in this old place, lol?? Thank you for any help!

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered May 27 '20 at 20:16

You can legally change the outlet, as long as it is “GFCI Protected” and marked “No Equipment Ground". You'll get the safety benefits of a third wire ground, though not all the surge protection benefits of your power strip. The GFCI units do use some 'vampire' power, about 1 Watt, 24/7.

Section 406.3(D)(3) of the 2008 National Electric Code covers this situation.

Consider also a whole house surge protector, and if you have K&T wiring, an AFCI on the K&T. That said, if any of this sounds unfamiliar, hire a home inspector to check out everything and provide advice as to priorties.

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 23 '20 at 14:45

There are adapters like this:

By screwing the green tab into the outlet faceplate, you are theoretically providing a ground. There are also models with ground wires you can attach to known grounds like water pipes.

I would get a circuit tester like this to insure the adapter is actually safe.

score -1 · Answer 3 · answered Apr 23 '20 at 14:10

-1

No, they no longer make those because they are dangerous. What you really need to do is call in an electrician to update your wiring so that it's safe.

answered Apr 23 '20 at 14:10

jwh20

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Extension Cords needed, can't find

3 Answers3