Can I convert a two prong outlet to three prong?

Yes, you can convert a two-prong outlet to a three-prong outlet, but how it's done legally and safely depends entirely on what's behind the wall.

The reason older homes have two-prong outlets is that they lack a ground wire — the third prong on a modern outlet. Simply swapping the outlet itself without addressing the grounding situation is a code violation and a genuine safety risk. The ground wire exists to protect you from electric shock if a fault occurs in an appliance. Without it, that fault energy has nowhere safe to go.

There are three legitimate ways to make this upgrade:

The best option is running a new grounded circuit from your panel. This means new wire (with a proper ground conductor) from the breaker to the outlet. It's the most expensive approach but gives you a fully code-compliant, properly grounded outlet. This requires an ESA permit and a licensed electrician.

The second option, permitted under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, is installing a GFCI outlet in place of the two-prong outlet and labeling it "No Equipment Ground." A GFCI protects against shock even without a ground wire, which is why the OESC allows this as an acceptable solution. It's less expensive than rewiring and still provides meaningful protection. This also requires a permit if it's part of a broader upgrade, though replacing like-for-like is generally simpler — confirm with your electrician.

The third option — and one to absolutely avoid — is simply installing a three-prong outlet without a ground wire connected. This is what happens when someone uses a "cheater plug" or installs a grounded outlet on an ungrounded circuit. The outlet looks modern but offers zero ground protection. It's a code violation and a safety hazard.

In Ottawa homes built before the 1960s, two-prong outlets often mean knob and tube wiring, which adds another layer of concern. Knob and tube has no ground wire by design, and insurance companies increasingly refuse coverage or charge higher premiums for homes with it. If that's your situation, it's worth having a licensed electrician assess the full picture.

For a single outlet conversion with a GFCI solution, expect to pay $75–$150 in the Ottawa market. If new wiring is needed, a dedicated circuit runs $300–$600 depending on distance from the panel.

This is one of those jobs that sits right on the line of what looks simple but has real safety implications if done wrong. For a free estimate on upgrading your outlets, reach out to Electrical Ottawa — we can assess your wiring situation and recommend the right solution for your home.