Outlet is "Open Ground" - Is There Still a Safe Way to Connect to My Audio Gear?

@ecat026 Said:

This is what NEC code calls for. Had to scroll too far down for to finally reach the correct answer. You can also replace the first receptacle on the circuit with the GFCI and attach the downstream receptacles to "load" and label them per above. This will ensure each receptacle on the circuit is protected by the single GFCI. Or place the GFCI solely on the receptacle in question. 

Check my post on 06-26-2025 at 10:40am 

FYI,  2020 NEC 406.4 (D) (2) (a) says an old two wire receptacle can be replaced with a new 2 wire receptacle when there is not an equipment ground present. 

Would a GFCI outlet be better for his situation feeding his audio equipment? Yes... If the box is deep enough... IMO a new  20A dedicated branch circuit would be better. My bet the OP will hear a difference, for the better.  

Back in the old days some of the steel boxes used for wall outlets may not be deep enough for the installation of a GFCI duplex receptacle. (He has 4 cloth covered rubber conductors in the box as well.) The electrician he hires will check the box for fit. I am sure the electrician will know what he can do.

FWIW...

There are other options to add GFCI protection to the 2 wire convenience outlet branch circuit. One, is to install a GFCI breaker in the electrical panel. (providing the branch circuit is not part of a multiwire branch circuit.) That would also allow a 3 wire grounding type receptacle to be installed for his audio system. (Label would be required on the outlet cover plate.)  Just a guess, more than likely all the duplex outlets on the 2 wire branch circuit have 3 wire grounding type outlets installed on the 2 wire circuit. Just a guess there may be some ceiling lighting on the circuit as well.

What the OP should not do himself is mess with the old branch circuit wiring. Especially if the insulation on the wires is old cloth covered rubber. 

Best regards,

Jim

@jea48 

The replacement GFCI breaker is a good alternative, if somebody manufacturers a retrofit for what is likely a 60 year old breaker box. Ideally, OP would hire an electrician to install a dedicated 20 amp circuit and verify that the sub and main panels are properly grounded too. 

I figured a replacement GFCI outlet was the simple "fix" he requested, however, his wiring does add another layer of complexity. The grounding issue could easy snowball into a large, expensive project.

Agreed, the best fix is to hire an electrician. 

**406.4(D)(2) Non‑Grounding‑Type Receptacles.**

Where attachment to an equipment grounding conductor does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with (D)(2)(a), (b), or (c):

(b) A non‑grounding‑type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with a GFCI‑type receptacle(s). These receptacles or their cover plates shall be marked “No Equipment Ground.” An equipment grounding conductor must not be connected from the GFCI‑type receptacle to any outlet supplied downstream.

(c) You may also install a grounding-type (3‑prong) receptacle without a ground, if it is protected by a GFCI (breaker or receptacle). In that case, the receptacle or cover plates must be labeled “GFCI Protected” and **“No Equipment Ground.”

@ecat026 said:

The replacement GFCI breaker is a good alternative, if somebody manufacturers a retrofit for what is likely a 60 year old breaker box.

The OP said the house is 63 years old. (Built in 1962).  If the electrical panel is the original one, IMO, the OP should be worried more about the old panel than the non grounded outlet his audio system is plugged into, when it comes to his safety. You are correct about the GFCI breaker though. I didn’t consider the panel could still be the original one that was installed in 1962. That doesn’t say the panel was made in 1962. I could be from the late 1950s. Who knows?

As for this:

**406.4(D)(2) Non‑Grounding‑Type Receptacles.**

Where attachment to an equipment grounding conductor does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with (D)(2)(a), (b), or (c):

I looked at that this morning and thought to myself wheres the (a) ? So I pulled out my 2020 NEC code book and read 406.4 (D) (2) (a) . I seen the little triangle beside (a)... (a) was deleted in the 2020 NEC. 2017 NEC was the last code Edition allowed. The OP lives in Maryland. To date the State of Maryland.is still working under the 2020 NEC code. 

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the best peace of mind you will have is to get a quote to rewire your home. People over the years have possibly "rigged" wiring to work any old way they could. I've seen many houses get worked on over the years. In every case wiring was faulty or redone by wannabee home owners. You'll sleep better at night knowing your home is safe. Some things are better left to a pro. Your insurance company will be happy too. Joe

@vinylfun 

I hope the electrical service and electrical panel in your home is not the original installed in 1962. 

As for your safety concerns using the ungrounded outlet your audio system is plugged into, you could buy one of these to feed the power to your audio system for now.

Example of:

GFCI plug-in pigtail  

More examples to choose from.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrical-Electrical-Cords-Extension-Cords-GFCI-Plugs/N-5yc1vZcger

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