3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

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wdalrymple

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I know the rule for changing out a 2 prong receptacle for a 3 prong however my boss does not. he doesn't understand the dangers created by this. Anyway this was done before I took over the electrical maintenance position at this university. What situation can i explain to the uninformed so he will understand we need to fix it now, not later when someone is hurt or dead.
your help in this is greatly appreciated.


Will Dalrymple Master Electrician Tx.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

Open up your NEC to Section 210.7(d)(3)
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

The OSHA site might have some horror stories of electrocutions. I know there have been a number of them over the years when metal case gnded tools failed that were plugged into ungrounded recepticals.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

A 3-wire GFCI receptacle replacing a 2-wire receptacle is better than nothing and GFCI's are designed protect one from lethal shocks from those faulty metal cased power tools.

If boss insists on replacing 2-wire's with 3-wire's make sure they're GFCI protected 3-wire's. You can do this with receptacles or with circuit breakers-- depending on how many receptacles you are trying to protect-- one will be the best value-- and/or the easiest to reset.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

send notarized letter informing him of dangers and your understanding that he wants you to install 3 prong as replacement of two prong. tell him it isn't personal, just that you want some legal protection if there is a criminal negligence case.

that's a bit stiff in case logic doesn't work.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

For NEC back up, go straight to 406.3(D)(3)

Roger
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

If you're really feeling clever, you can install a few timers, photo-cell controled lights, etc., of the cheaper sort that use the ground path as a neutral for the electronics (just how do you think they work when the device is switched 'off'?). Then, let your boss explain to HIS boss just how the ground is unnecessary!
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

I think if you can't convince your boss at least you can install GFCI because its operation doesn't require the existance of an equipment grounding conductor and at the same time it can remove the resk of deadly shocks.

Note that GFCI doesn't prevent the occurrence of faults or shocks but it clears them in proper time and current level to save the operator.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

I think he is walking a close line to being fired while at same time trying to do the right thing.
I would secretly photo the violation and privately show him in the nec what is wrong.Pushing hard or going over his head is sure not to end up friendly.Should this go sour and he gets fired by all means exspose the intire thing and take his job if it's something you want but at min. cost him his job if he can't take the suggestion to correct this.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

Folks, the danger here is not the number of prongs. Its the 2 wire circuit. Even if you replace a two prong with a two prong, you can still get the two prong to three prong adapter. The three prong recepticle just lets you skip searching for the adapter. Either way your fanny is toast. I hate to say it but in a sick way the boss is right. We know better but how many of us search for that adapter when we have to drill that hole? You have probably even done the idiot move of cutting off the third prong when you couldnt find the adapter about quitting time. Or there is the other one of filing down the wide prong. The best fix is to pull a new circuit with ground. The next best is the GFCI with the two wire. But in this case if the boss is too cheap to hunt two prongs I dont think he will spring for GFCI. Even if he signs a waiver saying you are not responsible, the jury may not. Its kind of like you killing someone and then someone else pleading guilty.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

I would be willing to debate whether a 3-prong with ground is safer than a 2-prong converted to 3-prong GFCI (no ground present). I'd feel safer with GFCI. Ideally it would be GFCI with ground present. Your mileage may vary.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

Heres a hypothetical question. Other than the fact that it would be a code violation. What would be the hazard involved with bonding the grounding screw to the neutral terminal on a 3 prong receptacle when only two wires are provided at the outlet?

Suppose the box is non-metallic, all wood stud, and all non-metallic wiring method. :confused:
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

If you hypothetically do what you suggest, you guarantee a hot enclosure of whatever is plugged into the outlet if you lose the neutral connection to the panel from that outlet.
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

Bryan in your situation do we have a 100% non conductive (sterile as far as potential difference to any object) surrounding? If we do, then nothing is wrong with doing this, but on the other hand, there would be no reason to do it either.

Roger
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

What would be the difference between my hypothetical connection and an existing dryer or range connection? :confused:
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

Originally posted by bphgravity:
What would be the difference between my hypothetical connection and an existing dryer or range connection? :confused:
Click to expand...
Nothing.

Roger
 
Re: 3 wire receptacle replacing 2 wire

Wdalrymple,

Not only is your boss violating electrical codes, but if the receptacles are fed by BX (metal sheathed cable lacking any equipment ground) then he is also creating an additional hazard: A ground fault can heat the metal armor of the cable just like a light-bulb filament.

What was only a shock hazard is now a shock hazard and a fire risk.

-John
 
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