Kazzy

I am reaching out in hopes that this seemingly active internet community can help answer a few questions for me.

I have recently moved into an owner-occupied duplex that was built in the early 1950s. Here is the situation as I have been able to assess it thus far:

Fuse box for the house, circuit breaker for the utility room (washer/dryer) only.

I have tested outlets and have only 2 grounded outlets in the entire house that are accessible- 1 in the bathroom, which is only live when the bathroom light is on, and 1 in the kitchen. All other 3 prong outlets are ungrounded. Additionally, I have 2 prong outlets throughout the remainder of the house- living room, bedroom, and spare room. None are grounded per my testing.

As an added bonus, all the 2 prong outlets have been painted over on multiple occasions.

I have been doing research via the internet to try to learn as much as possible re: electrical code and options. My main concern is that I need to have 2-3 outlets grounded to account for tv etc setup and computer etc setup.

I have consulted with a family friend and understand that, per where I am living, the electrical conditions are not within the NEC code. I have 2 concerns about filing for a code violation. 1- It is an older house and I am fairly certain that there are additional code violations beyond the electrical wiring situation. And 2, that my landlord is elderly and would not be able to afford the upgrade for the rental half of the duplex. While I understand that under the law, he cannot evict me for making a report, it is also my understanding that he can state that he cannot afford to bring the unit up to code and that I would have to find another place to live. I love my rental, other than the wiring issue, and do NOT wish to move.


I really only need to have 2-3 outlets fixed to be grounded in the entire house in order to be happy with the safety issues with my CPU and TV setup. What I have been able to research is that a GFCI outlet, when properly installed, can help in this kind of situation. What I don't know is if it is possible to do a GFCI circuit setup on a FUSE BOX.

Any feedback would be appreciated, as I am greatly out of my league. I really am planning on paying out of pocket for the 2-3 outlets to be worked on if it is feasible.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kazzy

Celtic

This is not a Landlord/Tenant site....hire a qualified electrician to assess the situation.

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Magnettica

I agree... hire an electrician who stocks grounds on his truck and have him put them in.

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Classic Electric LLC
Repairs, Renovations, Rehabilitation

JohnJ0906

It is probably best that a licenced and insured electrician check this out, since you are not the owner of this property.

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John from Baltimore
"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

Speedy Petey

So??? You say yourself that this house was built in the "early 50's". Everything you say sounds about right, with the exception of the ungrounded 3-prong receptacles.
You cannot go in and start rattling off modern codes saying an older home is in "violation".
You can request fixing the 3-prong receptacles. The rest you have no grounds for complaint IMO. Even then, fixing the 3-prong receptacles could be as simple as putting two-prongs back in.

Are you an attorney?

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L. B. Condulet

Since you list your trade as electrical, there's no need to farm this out, just strap on your tool belt and make it happ'n cap'n!

Ed the Roofer

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