How do I know if I have grounded outlets?

Grounded outlets have three holes - two vertical slots and a round hole below for the ground pin. If your outlets only have two vertical slots, they're ungrounded and don't provide the safety protection that modern electrical systems require.

However, just because an outlet looks grounded doesn't mean it actually is. Many older homes have three-prong outlets that were installed without proper grounding - a dangerous situation that gives you a false sense of security. The round hole might be there, but if there's no actual ground wire connected, you're not protected from electrical faults.

Testing for proper grounding requires more than just looking at the outlet. A simple outlet tester (available at hardware stores for under $20) can tell you if the outlet is properly wired and grounded. These testers have lights that indicate if the outlet has proper hot, neutral, and ground connections. You can also use a multimeter to test between the hot slot and the ground hole - you should read around 120 volts if properly grounded.

Why grounding matters goes beyond just being able to plug in three-prong devices. Grounded outlets protect you from electrical shock by providing a safe path for electricity to flow if something goes wrong with an appliance. Without proper grounding, a faulty appliance could energize its metal case, creating a shock hazard. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires GFCI protection for outlets near water sources, but proper grounding is the foundation of electrical safety throughout your home.

In Ottawa's older homes, it's common to find ungrounded outlets, especially in houses built before the 1960s. Knob and tube wiring systems didn't include ground wires, and many aluminum wiring installations from the 1960s-70s also lack proper grounding. If you discover ungrounded outlets, don't install three-prong outlets without proper grounding - this creates a code violation and safety hazard.

Upgrading ungrounded outlets typically requires running new cable with a ground wire back to the electrical panel. In some cases, GFCI outlets can be installed to provide shock protection even without a ground wire, but they must be labeled "No Equipment Ground" and won't protect sensitive electronics. Any electrical work beyond simple outlet replacement requires an ESA permit and licensed electrician in Ontario.

If you're unsure about your home's grounding, have a licensed electrician perform a comprehensive electrical inspection. This is especially important if you're experiencing frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, or planning to install major appliances that require grounding for safe operation.

For a professional assessment of your home's electrical grounding and any necessary upgrades, Electrical Ottawa's ESA-licensed electricians can provide a thorough inspection and recommendations for bringing your electrical system up to current safety standards.

---

Find a Licensed Electrician

Electrical Ottawa connects you with vetted, ESA-licensed electricians from the Ottawa Construction Network:Ottawa Electrical Contractors:

• Mike Fuller Electric
• Ring Electric Inc.
• Home Town Electrical Services