Grounded outlets are very easy to identify. On the face of grounded outlets, you will notice three holes present. Two of the holes on the face of the outlet are shaped as vertical slits, with the third hole being that of a round shaped slot. Grounded outlets have been required in all houses, businesses and any other structures since about 1965. These grounded outlets are required when building a structure so as to be compliant with electrical safety standards. Ungrounded outlets are different in that they do not have the third, rounded hole present on the face of the outlet, but rather only the two vertical slits.
GROUNDED OUTLETS ARE REQUIRED
The two vertical slits on an outlet are indicative of the so-called hot wire and neutral wire, with the ground wire being tied to the neutral vertical slit. This design is a failsafe that comes into play when something goes array with the outlet, such as a short. If a ground wire is not present and a short occurs, the electricity can then channel its way into nearby materials, items, and even individuals, causing much damage and harm. With that said, the ground wire is essential to the overall safety and health of your home and family.
UNGROUNDED OUTLETS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
An ungrounded outlet can increase the risk of harm and damage to not only property but to individuals as well. There are a number of hazards that result from these outlets that are not grounded, including:
- Electrical fires – If a ground wire is not present, there are a number of occurrences that may take place- from sparking and arcing, to unprotected electrical charges that can ultimately cause fires.
- Health and safety hazards – An outlet that is ungrounded can result in a high risk of shock to a person who is operating the electronic or appliance that is plugged into it.
- Sloppy wiring – In many older homes it is very common to find a combination of both grounded and ungrounded outlets. When such is the case, this combination is not only messy and hard to manage, but can prove to be a potentially harmful and serious electrical problem at some point.
- Property damage and loss – When outlets that are not properly grounded are present, the equipment itself can easily and quickly short out, causing extreme damage to appliances, electronics, or other items plugged into them. As a result, you can experience a loss in your personal property or excessive damage.
UPDATING AND UPGRADING UNGROUNDED ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
In simple words, ungrounded outlets are extremely dangerous and pose a wide range of risks to both your family and your home. If you have identified such outlets in your home, then Gervais Electric, Inc. stands ready to meet your every need. Our team of highly skilled and experienced electricians is equipped to perform inspections of the wiring as well as the outlets in your home, to determine whether they are grounded or not.
We will identify any problem areas, determine the source of the electrical problem, and then be able to provide our clients with effective and efficient solutions to the hazards and ongoing problems. Solving these dangerous electrical problems will outwardly alleviate the chance of electrical shocks, damaging fires, and other serious problems that can cause grave harm to both your home and family.
REACH OUT TO THE TEAM YOU CAN TRUST
For more information on grounded and ungrounded outlets, and to learn more about identifying these problem areas, take time out to contact our dedicated team of professionals. Our highly skilled electricians and technicians are committed to providing all our valued clients with only the highest quality electrical products and services. Give us a call today and schedule your home or business electrical inspection!
