How to Replace a 2 Wire Receptacle with a 3 Wire Receptacle

In a previous article I explained how to properly replace a 2 wire receptacle. I explained several options to make a safe and code compliant installation. The two easiest option were explained. This article will expand to how to replace a 2 wire receptacle with a 3 wire receptacle safely and meet code.

The National Electric Code (NEC) gives you a few options to replace the older 2 wire receptacles. One of those options is to replace the receptacle with the more common 3 wire or grounded receptacle. You cannot just replace the receptacle and leave it at that. There are more steps that you need to take to be sure this installation is compliance with the NEC and is safe.

I have seen a 3 wire receptacle used many times to replace 2 wire receptacles. More often than not the installation was incorrect. There is always an increased risk of fire and personal injury if electrical installations are made incorrectly.

The following are two options to correctly replace a 2 wire receptacle with a 3 wire receptacle.

First you can replace the old receptacle with a 3 wire receptacle, mark it "GFCI Protected" and "No Equipment Ground". At the breaker box you will then install a GFCI-type breaker.

Your second option is to re-wire the circuit with 3 wire cable such as 14/2 with ground or 12/2 with ground. This will require you to pull wire to all the receptacles on that circuit and to pull a "homerun" to the breaker box.

To avoid pulling new wire you can replace the 2 wire receptacle with a 3 wire receptacle. Turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker box and verify that the power is off with an electrical tester at the outlet to be replaced.

Remove the old outlet and replace with the new 3 wire receptacle. Observe the correct color code when connecting the wiring to the receptacle. The black "hot" wire connects to the brass or gold colored screw. The white "neutral" wire connects to the silver colored screw.

Tighten the screws well to ensure a good mechanical connection between the wire and the receptacle.

Fold the wires back into the box carefully and attach the receptacle to the box. Install the cover plate and mark the receptacle as indicated above. The GFCI-type breaker that you purchase may come with stickers that say "GFCI Protected" and "No Equipment Ground". If you have these stickers apply them to the cover plate on the outlets you have replaced. If you don't have these stickers you can make them with a label maker.

Now you will go to your breaker box to install the GFCI-type breaker. It will be handy to have a helper that can hold a flashlight for you.

Turn off the power to the breaker box with the main breaker switch. Remove the cover from the breaker box. There are normally 4 to 6 screws that secure the cover.

Check to be sure that the power is off by checking the breakers with a circuit tester. Locate the breaker that you turned off when you replaced the receptacle and remove the breaker from the panel.

Now snap the GFCI-type breaker in the space left from removing the old breaker. You will notice that the GFCI-type breaker has a coiled white wire already connected to it. This is the neutral pigtail. Pay attention to this wire, it is important that you connect this wire correctly.

From the old breaker that you removed, disconnect the black wire from the terminal and connect it to the GFCI-type breaker terminal that is labeled as "Line Power". This terminal may also be color coded black or gold. Tighten the screw but be careful not to over tighten and break the case of the breaker.

Next you need to identify the correct circuit neutral wire. Trace the black wire you just connected to the breaker back to where it enters the box. Note the white wire that is alongside the black wire. Trace this white wire back to where it connects to the neutral bar.

Loosen the screw holding the neutral wire to the neutral bar and remove the wire. Now connect this wire to the breaker terminal that is marked "Load Neutral".

Now finally connect the white pigtail from the breaker to the neutral bar. The breaker is now properly installed and you can replace the cover of the breaker box. Turn the main switch back on then turn on the GFCI breaker that you just installed.

Test the receptacle with an electric meter for proper voltage. You should read between 110 and 130 volts if the voltage is correct.

The last option you have for replacing a 2 wire receptacle with a 3 wire receptacle is to re-wire the circuit. Your local building codes may not allow you to do this so check with your city's building department to be sure. You may also be required to apply for an electrical permit. I recommend that this installation be done by a qualified electrician. How to re-wire a circuit is a lengthy explanation and so will not be covered by this article.

It is important that if you are going to replace older 2 wire receptacles with 3 wire receptacles that you do it properly. Follow the directions in this article for a safe installation and an installation that is compliant with the National Electric Code. Always verify that the power is turned off before working on a circuit. If you run into trouble always call an electrician to help.