Home Inspection State Practice Exam

If a 2-slot receptacle is replaced with a 3-slot receptacle in a circuit containing a grounding conductor, what is the appropriate method to use?

1. Use a standard 3-slot receptacle

2. Install a surge protector

3. Replace the receptacle with a GFCI receptacle

4. Ground the existing receptacle

The correct answer is: Replace the receptacle with a GFCI receptacle

Replacing a 2-slot receptacle with a 3-slot receptacle in a circuit that has a grounding conductor should involve installing a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. The primary function of a GFCI is to protect against electrical shock by detecting ground faults and interrupting the flow of electricity. This is particularly important for environments where moisture is present, such as kitchens or bathrooms. When converting to a 3-slot receptacle, it's necessary to ensure that the receptacle is grounded properly to offer enhanced safety. A GFCI receptacle provides this safety as it can function without a dedicated ground wire by offering its own protection mechanisms. This allows for compliance with safety standards while minimizing the risk of shock. Although other options may seem plausible—for instance, grounding the existing receptacle is often an important consideration—it does not enhance the safety in the same way a GFCI would in an ungrounded situation or where ground reliability is a concern. Furthermore, using a standard 3-slot receptacle without GFCI protection would not provide the necessary safety in cases where grounding could be compromised. While a surge protector is helpful for transient voltage spikes, it does not address the immediate risks associated with ground faults, which