The Family Handyman – August 2019

BEST PRO TIPS

72 JULY/AUGUST 2019 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

MISTAKE:

Installing a three-slot

receptacle with no

ground wire

If you have two-slot outlets, it’s

tempting to replace them with three-

slot outlets so you can plug in three-

prong plugs. Don’t do this unless

there’s a ground available. Use a

tester ($7 to $10 at home centers) to

see if your outlet is grounded. A

tester indicates whether the outlet is

wired correctly or what fault exists.

THE RIGHT WAY:

INSTALL A TWO-SLOT OUTLET

If you discover a three-slot outlet in

an ungrounded box, either replace it

with a two-slot outlet, or tamper-

resistant GFCI outlet. Tamper-

resistant, two-slot outlets don’t exist,

so the new GFCI must be labeled

“No equipment ground.”

Two-slot,

ungrounded

outlet

Ungrounded

box

MISTAKE:

Leaving plastic-sheathed

cable unprotected

It’s easy to damage plastic-sheathed cable that’s left

exposed between framing members. That’s why the

electrical code requires cable to be protected in these

areas. Cable is especially vulnerable when it’s run over

or under wall or ceiling framing, as shown here.

Unprotected

cable

Added

2x2

Protected

cable

THE RIGHT WAY:

INSTALL A 2x2

Protect exposed cable by nailing or screwing a 2x2

board alongside the cable as shown above. Staple the

cable to the board every 4-1/2 ft. or less, as needed.

MORE ELECTRICAL HELP ONLINE!

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