---
title: "What Is Ungrounded outlet? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "An ungrounded outlet is a two-slot outlet with no ground contact. It is common in older homes. Plain-English glossary from Daniel Electric in Southlake, TX."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ungrounded-outlet
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Wiring and circuits

# Ungrounded outlet

An ungrounded outlet is a two-slot outlet with no ground contact. It is common in older homes.

Leviton says non-grounding outlets do not contain a ground contact and are often found in older homes. It adds that millions of homes still have 2-slot outlets in boxes that are not properly grounded. A plug with three prongs will not fit without an adapter or a change.

Do not swap in a [three-prong outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-prong-outlet) yourself. That can make a device look grounded when it is not. Leviton says a GFCI can replace a 2-slot outlet where no ground connection exists, and a [GFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/gfci) can accept three-prong plugs. A licensed electrician decides the right fix.

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Three-prong outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-prong-outlet)
-   [GFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/gfci)
-   [Equipment grounding conductor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/equipment-grounding-conductor)
-   [Knob and tube wiring](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/knob-and-tube-wiring)

## Sources

1.  [Leviton: What Is A Non-Grounding Outlet?](https://leviton.com/support/resources/product-support/protection-devices-and-receptacles/receptacles/what-is-a-non-grounding-outlet)
2.  [Leviton: What Is A Non-Grounding Outlet?](https://leviton.com/support/resources/product-support/protection-devices-and-receptacles/receptacles/what-is-a-non-grounding-outlet)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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