Non-Grounded Outlets and What That Means To You

Buying an older home with ungrounded outlets (open ground outlets) does not necessarily mean that it is against code.

Open ground outlets are often found in older homes where the older electrical wiring has not been fully updated to newer grounded wiring. This configuration is easily spotted by the existence of outdated two-prong receptacles which can date back to the 1960’s, but is still widespread as it is still present in older homes’ wiring systems.

Open ground outlets can also refer to a three-prong outlet that lacks a connection to the house’s electrical grounding system. This deficiency is frequently encountered in remodeled homes where the electrical system has been upgraded from two-pronged outlets to three-pronged outlets without including the required grounding wire in the electrical circuit.

Another cause for an open ground outlet can be a disruption in the grounding connection, such as a broken wire between the receptacle and the house’s grounding system.

An open ground receptacle can potentially lead to electrocution due to the absence of a proper grounding connection. When an electrical fault or surge occurs, such as a short circuit or electrical malfunction, the excess electrical energy seeks the path of least resistance to flow. In a properly grounded system, this energy would be directed safely into the ground, reducing the risk of harm.

However, in the case of an open ground receptacle, the lack of a grounding connection prevents the excess electrical energy from being effectively redirected. Instead, the energy can find alternate paths to flow, including through a person who comes into contact with an electrified object or faulty equipment.

If someone touches an appliance or device that is malfunctioning and has an open ground, they may become part of the electrical circuit. The electrical current can pass through their body, leading to an electric shock or worse. The severity of the shock depends on factors such as the voltage involved, the resistance of the person’s body, and the duration of the contact.

A proper grounding system minimizes the risk of electrocution by providing a safe path of excess electrical energy in case of faults or surges.