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

I have had to replace several duplex outlets over the years. Definitely two wire open ground. There is an addition on the house, built in the 1980's. Those outlets do have the typical green grounding cable, but the breaker box (since replaced and upgraded) was still from the 1950's and didn't have provisions for actual grounded outlets, anywhere in the house. 

I don't have access to the model number of the Panamax surge protector, but it's a fairly low end model. All I know is when the amp was plugged directly to the mains, it's metal front cover conveyed some minor current flow and when plugged into the Panamax, it was resolved.

I am not in a position to rewire my entire home either DIY or via a paid professional. I also don't own equipment anywhere near true audiophile or reference level cost or performance.

@erik_squires

You should get the grounding issue fixed, but the only "fix" for this I know of is to use a GFCI outlet and label it with the sticky labels that say "No Equipment Ground." 

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. 

@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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