
You’re probably familiar with the “three-prong converter.” A house with old two-prong outlets won’t allow for standard three-prong plugs to connect. The solution? Pop over to the hardware store for a small converter that plugs into the outlet and then allows the three-pronged plug to fit. Done.
Except not really. Since the 1970s, major appliances are required to have three-prongs, and for good reason. It allows the appliances to work with homes that have grounded electrical outlets: that’s what a three-prong outlet is. A house with these outlets has been properly grounded. If your house is old enough that it still has two-prong outlets, we recommend you upgrade your electrical service rather than use converters, also known as “cheaters,” as a way around it.