Using 3 prong plugs on a 2 prong outlet?

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optimusprime8062

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I've just rented out a room in an apartment that has only 2 prong plugs. I thought about just getting the adapters, like this one, but the outlet doesn't even have a screw in the middle, and if it did...the outlet is plastic and not metal.

Pretty much everything I have is 3 prongs, including all my gaming systems, TV etc. I'm sure all of you are aware of this, so what I'm wondering is, what should I do? Could I just use a 2-3 converter and plug a surge protector into it and THEN plug my things into that (I use a surge protector/power bar already because I have so many things to plug in). Basically I just don't want my things to get overloaded and stop working.

What do you guys suppose is the best option?
 
They make adapters. Or you can switch out the outlets (even though they won't be grounded).

I lived in a place like that before (just a couple years back) and never had any issues. I switched out most of the outlets with 3 prong ones, and used adapters a few places, and surge protectors for all electronics as usual.
 
ive lived in a place like that before. i just used an adapter and surge protector on my entertainment center and computer. didnt have any problems.
 
Cutting the third prong off with wire cutters is the easiest way, but will also decrease the sale value of your items should you try to sell them. So, buy a cheapo surge protector, plug your stuff in and cut the third prong of it.
 
[quote name='poopants']I always just rip the bastard third prong off..works everytime[/QUOTE]

60% of the time.
 
Okay, so you guys don't think I should have any qualms about plugging my LED TV, and PS3 into the wall outlet?

It seems the PS3 is "double insulated" so there shouldn't be any worries about it not being grounded, however I'm still a little worried about the TV, because I couldn't find any information on it being double insulated or not.

Also, in some of the research I did, someone made a good point in that it's illegal for someone to rent a place that isn't up to electrical standards (I guess meaning there is some kind of grounding?) and I would assume since this is a big apartment building that it is to code. In any case, I don't really have access to the landlord because I'm just renting the room (not on the lease) and I just met the girl I'm living with so I don't really want to bother her with things that most likely seem trivial to her.

In short, I think I'll just get the converted plugs with a surge protector and do it that way. If my TV screws up after that, then I guess I will have learned my lesson.
 
It'll work. It's purpose is for safety, not for functionality. You should be fine, as long as you don't have pets chewing on the cords.
 
Given that half the time the builders never properly wire the plugs in the first damn place... +1 for Surge Suppressor with the ground plug ripped off.
 
be careful if you cut off the ground plug. If there is ever a short circuit in your house or a storm knocks out the power bad your electronics have a better chance to get fried because without the ground plug for the electrical surge to exit from, it will exit from another spot, i.e the motherboard/chipset of whatever you have plugged in. plus all that fire hazard crap too..
 
[quote name='vic_x51']be careful if you cut off the ground plug. If there is ever a short circuit in your house or a storm knocks out the power bad your electronics have a better chance to get fried because without the ground plug for the electrical surge to exit from, it will exit from another spot, i.e the motherboard/chipset of whatever you have plugged in. plus all that fire hazard crap too..[/QUOTE]

This- never take off the grounding plug, it's easy enough to work around.

If you know anyone who does any sort of electrical work, call them up for advice/help on changing your outlets. We lived in a rental for a while with 2-prong outlets. My dad (who does airplane wiring) swapped some of them for 3 prong setups and connected them so that, despite not having a proper ground wire, any current would discharge into the crawlspace below the house(and eventually into the ground). Worked great.

Barring that, make sure you're using a good quality surge protector- and only plug ONE into an outlet to help prevent overloading. Also, try to look into building code in your area... maybe you can get a free upgrade if it turns out they should have at least some 3-prong outlets around.
 
[quote name='Dead of Knight']Get 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors, it'll tell you.[/QUOTE]

Hm, I had never heard of that game and now I've added it to my wishlist. I guess it is kind of rare since the price is pretty high for a new copy.

Also, Customer Suggestions on Amazons page include titles like "Gay Sex: A Guide for Men who love Men" amongst other similar works. Hmmmm....

Anyways, thanks guys for your input on the issue. I bought some converters today and would just take that route.
 
The outlets could actually be grounded - that's what that little hole on the adapter that screws in to the middle screw on the outlet plate does - it connects to the outlet box which often before 3-prong they grounded the box. If you have a surge protector - most have a "faulty wiring" indicator led that lights up if there isn't proper grounding - you could check using that. You could also look in to GFCI outlets - there may even be a GFCI breaker installed on your wiring.
 
[quote name='vic_x51']be careful if you cut off the ground plug. If there is ever a short circuit in your house or a storm knocks out the power bad your electronics have a better chance to get fried because without the ground plug for the electrical surge to exit from, it will exit from another spot, i.e the motherboard/chipset of whatever you have plugged in. plus all that fire hazard crap too..[/QUOTE]

Not even close.

The third prong is there for electrical devices that have metal exteriors. Things such as washing machines. Should the internal wiring of the line voltage (120VAC) come loose, the voltage gets shorted to the third prong. The third prong is wired directly to the metal exterior. That way it doesn't stay live in the metal exterior of the device and electrocute you when you touch it.
 
The 3rd prong is a ground.
It is there to take fault current in condition/state of a fault.

The nec allows you to replace a 2 (non grounding plug) prong with a gfci
The gfci must have a sticker saying no equipment ground on it.

If you have 2 prong outlets i highly doubt there is a ground wire in the Outlet box.

Thus the only way to legally put a 3 prong (grounding outlet) is to run new
3-wire romex (includes ground) to each outlet location from the panel box.
You can of course run these in parallel (same circuit) so each wire doesnt need to go back to the panel box.
Being a rental i would only ground the outlets that really need it.
Alot of your plastic appliances,some tvs, lamps, dont have grounds thus no need
 
If I ever find myself needing an outlet with a ground, I just replace the outlet. Takes at most 10 minutes, and the outlet only costs about $1.50.
 
[quote name='Access_Denied']If I ever find myself needing an outlet with a ground, I just replace the outlet. Takes at most 10 minutes, and the outlet only costs about $1.50.[/QUOTE]

And miswire it and fry your TV. No thanks. I'd rather get a $10 surge protector, and cut off the prong. Or get an adaptor.
 
The house I live in is from the '50s and has two prong outlets. I use one of those adapters and it works fine even though I don't have the screw at the top. They're 2 for $1 at the dollar store here so you might want to look for the locally for cheaper.
 
[quote name='elessar123']And miswire it and fry your TV. No thanks. I'd rather get a $10 surge protector, and cut off the prong. Or get an adaptor.[/QUOTE]

How the hell would you fuck up 2 white wires and 2 black wires? All you have to do hook them around a screw then tighten the screw. A 10 year old could do it. Besides, if you do manage to fuck something up, you're not going to fry anything. You're just not going to get any power.
 
Head to Home Depot and grab some adapters. They have a bunch to choose from, most under a buck. 2 of 3 of the outlets in my apartment are only two prong and I bought a bunch in case. Like said above, all expensive electronics go into surge protectors of course. Buy a good brand with lifetime warranty.
 
I'd go with switching to 3-prong outlets, then surge protectors for stuff you'd normally put a protector on. Switch outlets because you don't want to have to deal with the annoyance of adapters - it's an extra thing to have to have around. Then if a friend comes over you don't have to hear them bitching about only having 2-bangers to plug into.
 
OP I guess at this point, it's all about how much effort you want to put it vs. how comfortable you would be with the setup.

Personally, I'm sure all of the suggestions will get the job done. but how much peace of mind you want is the question.
 
will a surge protector work without a ground? What happens to the "surge"?

Also, in order to change the outlet to 3-prong, I would think you would want to turn off the power via the circuit breakers/fuses, do you have access to that panel?

The adapter has that metal loop to provide the ground. How is the switchplate held onto the outlet if there is no screw in the middle?
 
[quote name='optimusprime8062']I've just rented out a room in an apartment that has only 2 prong plugs. I thought about just getting the adapters, like this one, but the outlet doesn't even have a screw in the middle, and if it did...the outlet is plastic and not metal.

Pretty much everything I have is 3 prongs, including all my gaming systems, TV etc. I'm sure all of you are aware of this, so what I'm wondering is, what should I do? Could I just use a 2-3 converter and plug a surge protector into it and THEN plug my things into that (I use a surge protector/power bar already because I have so many things to plug in). Basically I just don't want my things to get overloaded and stop working.

What do you guys suppose is the best option?[/QUOTE]

Find an outlet with 3 prongs in the house. There has to be one. Then look at the path from the outlet to your room, and look for the dominant color. Might be the color of the carpet or the color of the walls. Once you have the color, buy a long extension cord, matching that color. If not available, buy a neutral color cord, then spray paint it to match. Be sure to let it dry. This is important. Once you have the supplies, connect the extension cord and run it to your room. Secure the extension cord to the wall/ capret and move it around until it is fully hidden in place. You'll know its at the right spot when it seems to disappear. Don't worry, its still there, just camoflaged. Connect a surge protector, then voila, instant plug.
 
"...and I just met the girl I'm living with so I don't really want to bother her with things that most likely seem trivial to her."


I'm sorry, but this IS the internet, so I feel compelled to write:

"Put it in her butt."

Then sign off.
 
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