How do I replace a two-prong outlet with a three-prong grounded outlet in NB?

Replacing two-prong outlets requires a licensed electrician in New Brunswick — and the approach depends on whether your existing wiring has a ground wire or not.

First, check what you're working with:

Open the outlet box (power OFF at the breaker first) and look at the wires:

• If there's a bare copper or green wire (ground wire): You have grounded wiring. A licensed electrician can install standard three-prong grounded outlets. Straightforward job.


• If there are only two wires (black and white, no ground): Your wiring is ungrounded. This is common in NB homes built before the early 1970s. You have three options:

Option 1: Install GFCI outlets (most common solution)

• A GFCI outlet can legally be installed on an ungrounded circuit under the CEC


• The GFCI provides personal shock protection even without a ground wire


• Must be labelled "No Equipment Ground" (stickers come with the GFCI outlet)


• Three-prong devices will plug in and have shock protection


• However: Surge protectors and some electronics don't work properly without a true ground


• Cost: $80-$150 per outlet installed

Option 2: Run new ground wires to existing outlets

• An electrician runs a ground wire from each outlet back to the panel's ground bus


• CEC allows retrofitting a ground wire alone (doesn't require replacing the entire circuit)


• The ground wire can take a different path than the existing circuit wires


• More expensive but provides true grounding for all devices


• Cost: $200-$400 per outlet depending on accessibility

Option 3: Full rewire of affected circuits

• Replace the old 2-wire cable with modern NMD90 3-wire cable (hot, neutral, ground)


• Most expensive but provides the best long-term solution


• Makes sense if the existing wire is in poor condition or you're renovating anyway


• Cost: $300-$600 per circuit

Why this matters:

• Three-prong outlets on ungrounded wiring without GFCI protection is a code violation and potentially dangerous — it gives a false sense of safety


• Computers, TVs, and other electronics with three-prong plugs rely on grounding for surge protection


• Home inspectors in NB flag ungrounded three-prong outlets as a deficiency

NB-specific notes:

• Many 1950s-1970s NB homes have a mix of grounded and ungrounded circuits — sometimes the kitchen and bathroom were upgraded but bedrooms weren't


• If your home still has a fuse panel, combining the outlet upgrade with a panel upgrade is more cost-effective


• TSANB permit required for any wiring changes beyond like-for-like replacement

Your next step: Have a licensed electrician assess your home's grounding situation. They can test every outlet and recommend the most cost-effective approach — often a combination of GFCI replacement for convenience outlets and ground wire retrofitting for circuits serving electronics.

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