| An outlet that has an open ground is a three | | | | into them? The reason is that three prong outlets |
| prong outlet that is not properly grounded. The | | | | give a false sense of security. Leaving it |
| three prongs are the Hot, Neutral, and Ground. | | | | ungrounded with three prongs may someday |
| An open ground occurs whenever the ground | | | | affect you or someone else, who would be under |
| wire is not correctly attached to the outlet. or the | | | | the impression this outlet is grounded. This is the |
| wiring for the house does not have a ground wire. | | | | same as removing the ground prong from an |
| Some older wiring in houses only have two wires, | | | | appliance or tool so that it will fit into a two prong |
| the "hot" and the "neutral", such as knob and tube | | | | outlet. I heard about someone using an electric drill |
| wiring or some of the older rag romex wiring. If | | | | which had the ground prong removed to fit an |
| there is no ground wire at the house wiring, then | | | | older outlet. He then drilled into the wall and hit a |
| a three prong outlet should not be installed. The | | | | live wire. It's a wonder he is still alive today! Don't |
| only exception would be to install a GFCI outlet | | | | do this, it is unsafe and could get you or someone |
| and place a sticker that states "NO Equipment | | | | else killed. |
| Ground". The outlet will still not be grounded but | | | | The best scenario would be to have all of your |
| with the GFCI protection, it will be safer than a | | | | outlets three prong and grounded. If you can't |
| regular two prong outlet or a three prong outlet | | | | have this because of the wiring in your home, |
| with an open ground. | | | | then you should add GFCI outlets instead. A |
| Some might think that if an older outlet is not | | | | qualified electrician can evaluate your home and |
| grounded and an open grounded three prong | | | | tell you what would be best for your particular |
| outlet is not grounded; why not change them all | | | | wiring system. |
| to three prong outlets so you can plug everything | | | | |