How to Change a Two-Prong Outlet to a Three-Prong Outlet: A Simple Guide for Homeowners

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If you live in an older home, chances are you’ve run into the frustration of two-prong outlets. These outlets aren’t grounded, which not only limits what you can plug in but can also be a safety hazard. Upgrading to a three-prong outlet is a smart move—but it’s not just about swapping the faceplate. Grounding matters. Here’s what you need to know before you get started.

⚠️ Important Note: Electrical work can be dangerous. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable working with wiring, consult a licensed electrician. Some local building codes require permits or licensed professionals for this type of work.

Why Upgrade to a Three-Prong Outlet?

Safety: Three-prong outlets include a ground wire that helps prevent electrical shock and damage to electronics.
Compatibility: Modern appliances and electronics are designed for three-prong outlets.
Code Compliance: In many areas, grounded outlets are required by modern electrical codes.

Before You Begin: Tools & Materials

You’ll need:

Voltage tester
Screwdriver
Wire stripper
Three-prong GFCI outlet
Electrical box ground screw or grounding pigtail (if needed)
Ground wire (if grounding is available)

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Go to your breaker panel and switch off the power to the outlet you’ll be working on. Use a voltage tester to confirm that the power is off before touching any wires.

Step 2: Remove the Old Outlet

Unscrew and remove the outlet cover plate.
Unscrew the old two-prong outlet and pull it gently from the electrical box.
Take note of the wiring. Usually, you’ll see one black (hot) wire and one white (neutral) wire.

Step 3: Check for a Grounding Path

Here’s where many people run into issues.

Look inside the outlet box for one of the following:

A bare copper wire or green wire: This is your ground—great news!
A metal outlet box with armored (BX) cable: If the metal box is grounded, you can ground the outlet to the box itself using a ground screw.
No ground wire or metal box: You CANNOT safely install a three-prong outlet without grounding it or using a GFCI. More on that below.

Step 4: If You Have a Ground

If your box is grounded:

Attach the bare or green ground wire to the green screw on the new outlet.
Connect the black (hot) wire to the brass screw.
Connect the white (neutral) wire to the silver screw.
Secure the outlet back into the box and screw on the cover plate.

Step 5: If You Don’t Have a Ground

You have two safe options:

✅ Option 1: Install a GFCI Outlet

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet protects against shock even without a ground. It’s a legal and safe workaround, but:

You must label it with “No Equipment Ground”
Use a sticker (usually included) that says “GFCI Protected”

✅ Option 2: Run a New Ground Wire

This is the most secure fix but requires more work—sometimes involving opening walls or upgrading wiring. It’s often best handled by a professional electrician.

Step 6: Test the New Outlet

Once everything is connected and secured, turn the power back on at the breaker. Use a voltage tester or an outlet tester to confirm that:

The outlet is wired correctly
The ground connection is working (if applicable)
A GFCI is tripping and resetting properly (if installed)

Final Thoughts

Swapping out an old two-prong outlet can make your home safer and more compatible with modern electronics—but it’s not always a simple plug-and-play. Always check for proper grounding, and don’t take shortcuts. When in doubt, bring in a licensed electrician.

DIY upgrades can be empowering when done right! With a little knowledge and the right precautions, updating your outlets can be a rewarding weekend project that adds both safety and value to your home.

Home Fix Advisor