How bad is it to connect a three prong electronic into a two prong ac outlet?

Question

Moving into an older house that only has outlets with 2 prongs instead of 3 (no ground) . Is the danger here about possibly getting shocked or is it more about the surge going into the equipment? I have a lot of electronic gadgets... worried it might be a bad move

Answer 1

VERY DANGEROUS!!! That's why they came out with the 3-pronged, grounded receptacles. People were getting electrocuted and equipment was getting fried with power surges. The place needs to be rewired.

Answer 2

i know i lived in a place like that and we blew a fuse all the time. But there are adapters you can buy, they are usually orange its a two prong that allows the 3 prong to be plugged into it. We bought ours at the dollartree they also have them at family dollar and walmart too. they are pretty cheap.

Answer 3

The danger is getting shocked by not directing a short to ground (as intended with the third prong).

If you are using surge protectors 2/3 of the protection will not be there . . . so there is the danger here of power surges burning out equipment (surge protector is ineffective here).

The way I see it you have 4 choices

1 Hire an electrician and install new outlets

2 See if you have outlet boxes, and if they are grounded,use ground adapters that hook to ground.

3 Risk damage (and be extra careful to avoid water) while unplugging when you aren't using things or during thunderstorms.

4 Contact a good insurance agent. and risk it all.