Ungrounded outlets in older BC homes are the two-prong receptacles on circuits with no ground path. Swapping one for a three-prong outlet without a proper fix is not permitted. A licensed electrician can bond the receptacle to ground, add GFCI protection, or run new grounded wiring, depending on the house.
Why does my older home have two-prong outlets?
Two-prong receptacles belong to wiring installed before grounding became standard. In a house with knob and tube wiring, there is no ground wire at all, which is why the outlets on those circuits are the two-prong kind. Some older homes also have mixed circuits, with modern wiring spliced into old.
A two-prong outlet is not automatically dangerous. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA, Ontario's regulator) says knob and tube is safe provided it is properly maintained by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. The risk comes from what people do to get around it.
What should I never do with a two-prong outlet?
The ESA lists unsafe practices that homeowners fall into when older wiring cannot meet today's needs:
- Removing ground pins from power bars or equipment to fit a two-prong receptacle. The ESA says 2-pin to 3-pin conversions are not permitted.
- Swapping to a three-prong receptacle with no ground and no GFCI. The ESA says that if you require a three-prong receptacle, only use a GFCI receptacle.
- Using extension cords as permanent wiring.
- Adding outlets to old circuits or replacing a 15 A fuse with a higher rating.
A cheater plug or an ungrounded three-prong outlet makes a device look protected when it is not.
What are the safe options for ungrounded outlets?
The ESA describes these options under Ontario's code. BC administers its own code through Technical Safety BC, so a licensed BC electrician confirms what applies to your circuits.
| Option | How it works | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Keep two-prong outlets | Leave the original receptacles on a circuit in good condition | Equipment that needs a ground cannot be used safely on it |
| Bond the receptacle to ground | Run a bonding conductor to the system ground or a bonded metallic cold water pipe | The ESA notes this may be difficult to accomplish |
| Add GFCI protection | A GFCI receptacle, or a GFCI breaker or device at the start of the circuit, protects grounding-type receptacles without a bonding conductor | A GFCI does not provide a ground reference at the U-ground slot |
| Run new grounded wiring | A new grounded branch circuit feeds new three-prong receptacles | The most thorough fix; see rewire cost |
The ESA points out that some devices, such as surge protectors for computer or entertainment equipment, will not function without a ground reference, so GFCI protection alone does not make every use work. New outlets added to an old house should be on a grounded branch circuit with three-pin receptacles.
Where does GFCI protection have to be?
In its bulletin on upgrading single-dwelling systems, Technical Safety BC lists GFCI protection for exterior receptacles (Rule 26-704 2) and bathroom or washroom receptacles (Rule 26-704 1) when a service or panel is upgraded. The bulletin dates from 2010, so confirm current requirements with your electrician. The ESA lists GFCI protection for kitchen receptacles within 1.5 m of a sink under Ontario's code, which may differ in BC.
Where should I be most careful?
Prioritize the rooms where a ground fault is most likely or where grounded equipment is used. The ESA lists GFCI protection for outdoor receptacles and bathroom receptacles, and for kitchen receptacles within 1.5 m of a sink under Ontario's code. Computers, entertainment equipment and surge protectors are the devices most likely to need a true ground reference. If you are renovating a room, ask for new grounded wiring while the walls are open.
What does it cost to fix ungrounded outlets?
We did not find a published Greater Victoria range for these fixes, so we are not quoting one. The cost depends on the number of receptacles, whether GFCI protection can be added at the panel or at individual outlets, whether wall access allows new wiring, and whether the panel itself needs work. A licensed electrician should look at the circuits first. Request a free quote or see our service calls and renovations and rewiring pages.
How do I decide?
- Find out what is behind the outlets. Knob and tube, mixed wiring and aluminum wiring each change the answer. See aluminum wiring pigtailing vs rewiring.
- Ask an electrician to test the circuits and tell you which have a ground path.
- Decide per room: kitchens, bathrooms, workshops and anywhere you plug in computers or appliances deserve the strongest fix.
- If a renovation is coming, plan new grounded wiring while walls are open.
- Use our older home electrical inspection checklist if you are buying.
Do not alter receptacles or wiring on knob and tube circuits yourself. The ESA recommends that anyone modifying knob and tube wiring use a licensed electrical contractor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a two-prong outlet with a three-prong outlet?
Not on its own. The ESA says 2-pin to 3-pin conversions are not permitted, and that if you require a three-prong receptacle you should only use a GFCI receptacle. The right fix depends on the circuit, so ask a licensed electrician.
Does a GFCI make an ungrounded outlet grounded?
No. A GFCI protects against ground faults but does not provide a ground reference to the U-ground slot, so equipment that needs a true ground, such as some surge protectors, will not work properly.
Is it safe to remove the ground pin from a plug?
No. The ESA lists removing ground pins from power bars or equipment to fit two-prong receptacles as an unsafe practice.
Where must GFCI protection be installed?
Technical Safety BC's upgrade bulletin lists exterior and bathroom receptacles when a service or panel is upgraded. Ask your electrician which rules apply to your work today.
Do two-prong outlets affect home insurance?
The outlets alone are not the issue, but the wiring behind them can be. The ESA notes many insurers will not cover homes with knob and tube wiring, so ask your insurer.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026. Rebates, codes and prices change; confirm with the program or Technical Safety BC before you rely on them.