# For two-prong outlets in older homes, is a neutral-to-ground ‘bootleg ground’ ever permissible, or must grounding or GF…

**URL:** <https://home.renovation.reviews/t/for-two-prong-outlets-in-older-homes-is-a-neutral-to-ground-bootleg-ground-ever-permissible-or-must-grounding-or-gf/20092>\
**Category:** Trade Talk\
**Tags:** safety\
**Created:** [August 4, 2025, 3:43pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/for-two-prong-outlets-in-older-homes-is-a-neutral-to-ground-bootleg-ground-ever-permissible-or-must-grounding-or-gf/20092 "2025-08-04T15:43:25Z")\
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**Author:** ![reno\_questions](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/reno_questions/32/2758_2.png) [@reno\_questions](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/reno_questions)\
**Post date:** [August 4, 2025, 3:43pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/for-two-prong-outlets-in-older-homes-is-a-neutral-to-ground-bootleg-ground-ever-permissible-or-must-grounding-or-gf/20092/1 "2025-08-04T15:43:25Z")

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For two-prong outlets in older homes, is a neutral-to-ground ‘bootleg ground’ ever permissible, or must grounding or GFCI labeling be used instead?

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**Author:** ![Tim\_Michael1](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/tim_michael1/32/6294_2.png) [@Tim\_Michael1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Tim_Michael1)\
**Post date:** [August 7, 2025, 11:43am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/for-two-prong-outlets-in-older-homes-is-a-neutral-to-ground-bootleg-ground-ever-permissible-or-must-grounding-or-gf/20092/2 "2025-08-07T11:43:17Z")

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Okay, so you’ve got those old 2-prong outlets and no ground wire? No sweat! Just pop in a GFCI outlet with some labels, or better yet, get a proper ground sorted out. It’ll keep everything safe, up to code, and protect you, your family and your gadgets.

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**Author:** ![Lexi\_Carter1](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/lexi_carter1/32/2767_2.png) [@Lexi\_Carter1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Lexi_Carter1)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2025, 11:55pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/for-two-prong-outlets-in-older-homes-is-a-neutral-to-ground-bootleg-ground-ever-permissible-or-must-grounding-or-gf/20092/3 "2025-08-10T23:55:12Z")

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A neutral-to-ground “bootleg ground” is never permitted under NEC or CEC, as it creates a shock hazard and can mask wiring faults.

In older homes without a ground, the safe code-compliant options are to install a proper grounding conductor or replace with a GFCI receptacle labeled “No Equipment Ground.”