I've seen a bunch of these questions and I just want to be absolutely positive that I'm doing the correct thing here.
I have about 2-4 wall outlets per bedroom – all of them on 15amp breaker(s). I would like to replace them with 3 prong outlets.
Each outlet (aside from the last on the line) has 6 wires (black, white, bare copper – in/out). The bare copper ones are pigtailed together and attached with a screw to receptacle.
To replace, do I just need to:
- 15 amp 2 prong outlet get a 3 prong outlet
- Connect the black to brass, white to silver, and the pigtailed to ground in new outlet?
Photo of outlet with pigtailed grounds
Anything different from above if I want to put in a GFCI? (Converting a br to home office with computer) – is the gfci necessary?
Best Answer
You've got a pretty good idea on what needs to be done. Naturally, you'll be turning off the breaker to the circuit. In cases like this, I've always pigtailed the blacks together and had one connection to the outlet and do the same to the neutrals. You'll need some extra black and white wire and some wire nuts but it makes for a neater installation. If an outlet connection gets loose, it doesn't affect the whole circuit. A converted bedroom to an office wouldn't need GFCI protection but you'd add them the same way for a single outlet protection and would use the load terminals for a daisy chain protection.