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Many homes in Riverdale, GA were built in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and a lot of them still have the original two-prong outlets. If you own one of these homes, you have probably wondered whether those outlets are safe, why your surge strip’s “grounded” light never comes on, and what it takes to fix them. Here is what Riverdale homeowners should know, from Shocking Electric Solutions, Inc., a Licensed GA Class II Unrestricted Electrical Contractor (EN216120).
Why Older Riverdale Homes Have Two-Prong Outlets
Two-prong outlets have no ground connection. That was normal in many homes built decades ago. A ground gives stray current a safe path if an appliance or cord fails. Without one, a fault can energize the metal case of an appliance, and electronics lose the protection a surge protector is designed to give.
Is It OK to Just Swap in Three-Prong Outlets?
No. Putting a three-prong outlet on a circuit with no ground makes the outlet look grounded when it isn’t, and a home inspector will flag it. Some homes also have “bootleg grounds,” where the ground screw was jumped to the neutral. That is a real shock hazard and one of the things we look for.
The Code-Recognized Ways to Fix Ungrounded Outlets
- Add GFCI protection. The electrical code allows a GFCI outlet or GFCI breaker to protect ungrounded three-prong outlets when they are labeled “No Equipment Ground.” It protects people from shock, though it does not give electronics a true ground.
- Run a new ground. In some homes we can run an equipment grounding conductor back to the panel for the outlets that need it most, like a home office or entertainment center.
- Rewire the circuit. When the old wiring is worn, brittle or overloaded, replacing it is the long-term fix. See our home rewiring service.
We inspect first, test each circuit and explain which option fits your home before any work starts. Learn more about our outlet and GFCI services.
Check for Aluminum Wiring Too
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, aluminum branch wiring was installed in some homes built roughly between 1965 and 1973. Riverdale has many homes from that era. Aluminum connections can loosen and overheat over time, so if your outlets feel warm, flicker or smell hot, turn off that breaker and call a licensed electrician. Approved repair methods exist, and we will tell you what applies to your home.
Permits in Riverdale
Inside Riverdale city limits, electrical work regulated by the construction codes is permitted through the City of Riverdale Community Development Department, which handles applications online. Rewiring and new circuits are permitted jobs. As your licensed contractor, we handle the permit and inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are two-prong outlets illegal? Existing two-prong outlets can stay in place, but replacements have to follow the code. That means a matching two-prong outlet, a grounded outlet on a grounded circuit, or GFCI protection.
Will a home inspector flag them? Often, yes, especially three-prong outlets with no ground. Fixing them before you sell can make the sale smoother.
Do I have to rewire the whole house? Not always. Many homes only need GFCI protection plus new grounds on a few key circuits. We will give you a free estimate with options.
Schedule a Free Estimate in Riverdale
Shocking Electric Solutions, Inc. has served homeowners since 2008. All work comes with a 2-year warranty, and we’re Done Right The First Time. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Call (678) 552-9399, text (470) 516-7261 or email info@shockingelectricsolutions.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 to 5, at 1002 Highway 16 W, Suite A, Newnan, GA 30263. See our Riverdale electrician page, or nearby Tyrone and Peachtree City.