Property with no ground receptacles

[Josh Hall]

Hey everyone,

I'm getting ready to rehab a property I own in Virginia. It's a 3 bed,1bath brick home with a garage. I would probably classify it as a low B / high C property. With the home being built in the 1950s, there is no ground for the outlets. Most of the outlets are only two prong, but the kitchen does have 3 prong outlets for the appliances. My question is, would it be worth it to have wiring re-done or should I just install GFCI outlets in the kitchen/bathroom? All help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[James Mc Ree]

I do the following:

1. Replace 2-prong outlets with 3-prong outlets. Tenants will use the 2-to-3 prong converters if you don't. This change can give your renovated property more of that "new" look.

2. Rewire to add a ground where feasible. Basement and 1st floor receptacles are usually accessible without creating too much wall repair. Upstairs can be more challenging.

3. Label the receptacle as not grounded if that is the case. This gives you legal cover if something happens, but the risk of something happening still remains.

I haven't replaced receptacles with GFCIs except where required by code.

I always do #1 at about $27/receptacle hired out. I use decorator receptacles and rocker switches, and new wall plates, to improve the look of the electrical and make it all match. I do #2 and #3 as they apply with a preference for rewiring.

This exercise is helpful in developing an understanding of which circuit breakers control what. You can identify risky circuits this way if you can anticipate how your tenants will use the electric and take action before there is an issue.