# Only 2-prong outlets in 100-yr old house

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-2-prong-outlets-in-100-yr-old-house/630998>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 9, 2012, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-2-prong-outlets-in-100-yr-old-house/630998 "2012-08-09T20:19:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![MrsPsunflower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@MrsPsunflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrsPsunflower)\
**Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-2-prong-outlets-in-100-yr-old-house/630998/21 "2012-08-16T17:55:26Z")

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> [@johnpost](#):
>
> you want the range to be grounded.
> 
> put in 2 3prong-\>2prong adapters in fridge receptacle with one grounded. if you then plugged a 6 receptacle-from-duplex adapter in then all 6 positions are grounded. this may be a bit wobbly so you should only use it if you could stabilize it with a block of wood underneath.
> 
> get a 12 gauge extension cord closest to the length you need, place it where it won’t get stepped on ( use a cord channel for floor use if needed) or bumped or rubbed. use a single cord with a multiple outlet adapter on the end.

Johnpost, thank you for the helpful suggestions!

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**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\
**Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-2-prong-outlets-in-100-yr-old-house/630998/22 "2012-08-16T19:51:28Z")

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A GFI may protect you from shock, but it won’t protect the appliance from burning out, or starting a fire.

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**Author:** ![MrsPsunflower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@MrsPsunflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrsPsunflower)\
**Post date:** [August 17, 2012, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-2-prong-outlets-in-100-yr-old-house/630998/23 "2012-08-17T16:51:03Z")

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> [@lance\_strongarm](#):
>
> A GFI may protect you from shock, but it won’t protect the appliance from burning out, or starting a fire.

Hi lance strongarm, thank you for clarifying that. I realize the best solution is for the landlord to put in grounded receptacles. However, since that probably won’t happen, the next best solution is to put up with it until I can move to some place with better wiring. I’ve learned a lot from this experience though, and I’ll know to pay better attention to the electrical system next time!

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