2 prong outlets, surge protectors and converting to 6 outlets
#1
11-03-14, 09:15 AM
2 prong outlets, surge protectors and converting to 6 outlets
My parents have a house with 2 prong outlets. They want to put a converter to make it six outlets. They also want it to be a surge protector. I see that they no longer make surge protectors for 2 outlets. I have a couple questions:
1 - are there still 2-6 outlet converters that work with 2 prong outlets - and are they safe?
2 - does it make since to be the 2-3 prong adapters in each of the 2 outlets and then plug a 3 prong surge protector that converts to 6 outlets?
3 - they are plugging Christmas Wreaths and a Christmas tree into the 6 outlets.
1 - are there still 2-6 outlet converters that work with 2 prong outlets - and are they safe?
2 - does it make since to be the 2-3 prong adapters in each of the 2 outlets and then plug a 3 prong surge protector that converts to 6 outlets?
3 - they are plugging Christmas Wreaths and a Christmas tree into the 6 outlets.
#2
11-03-14, 10:03 AM
Surge protectors won't work on an ungrounded circuit. Three prong to two prong adapters aren't intended for use on ungrounded circuits*.
*The 3 prong to 2 prong adapters were originally intended for use on 2 prong BX and metal conduit circuits and should be grounded to the center plate screw. No way to do the requited grounding on NM cable and old style BX without a grounding strip is no longer considered an adequate ground.
*The 3 prong to 2 prong adapters were originally intended for use on 2 prong BX and metal conduit circuits and should be grounded to the center plate screw. No way to do the requited grounding on NM cable and old style BX without a grounding strip is no longer considered an adequate ground.
Last edited by ray2047; 11-03-14 at 12:06 PM.
#3
11-03-14, 10:04 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Most surge protection needs a ground to operate properly.
Surge protection should not be needed for holiday lights.
Surge protection should not be needed for holiday lights.
#4
11-03-14, 11:21 AM
You can replace the two-prong receptacle with a three-prong GFCI receptacle for added safety and convenience. You should affix the "no equipment ground" sticker that comes with the GFCI receptacle to the faceplate to inform future users that the ground wire is not connected. Any splitters or multitaps you use should be listed by UL or CSA for better safety, and don't exceed the mfg rating.
#5
11-03-14, 06:14 PM
Member
They also want it to be a surge protector.
Shop Eaton General Use Surge Protector (Auto-Off Safety) at Lowes.com
