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Posted by Vieo on May 20, 2001 at 20:56:57:

In Reply to: No outlets? Is this legal? posted by Max on May 20, 2001 at 19:55:02:

Many older apartments were built long before the advent of 3 prong outlets, when electricity was primarily used for lighting only. Although electrical codes have changed since then (they are updated almost every year), older buildings are "grandfathered" in.

You can get an adapter for about 99 cents that will let you plug a 3 pronged cord into a 2 pronged outlet. Be sure to screw the adapter into the outlet so that it is "grounded". Be aware that, even with 3-pronged outlet, your electrical usage will be limited by the fuses and the capacity of the buildings wiring.

You've probably learned your lesson already, but I'll make it clear: If modern wiring is important to you, than look for it before you sign a lease. And, get any promises in writing.

: I just moved into an apartment with a 4 month prepaid lease. The lease started on the 1st of this month. There were no three prong outlets in the apt. (and only 2 two prongs) when I moved in, and the landlord said he would put them in that day. It is now the 20th of the month, and they are still not in yet. I have asked the landlord 4 times, and left a note on his door last week. I haven't even moved in yet because I can't plug anything in! What laws does this pertain to? Is there anything I can do? At $1400 a month, I can't stand to wait much longer to move in.

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Comments:
: Many older apartments were built long before the advent of 3 prong outlets, when electricity was primarily used for lighting only.  Although electrical codes have changed since then (they are updated almost every year), older buildings are "grandfathered" in.

: You can get an adapter for about 99 cents that will let you plug a 3 pronged cord into a 2 pronged outlet.  Be sure to screw the adapter into the outlet so that it is "grounded".  Be aware that, even with 3-pronged outlet, your electrical usage will be limited by the fuses and the capacity of the buildings wiring.

: You've probably learned your lesson already, but I'll make it clear: If modern wiring is important to you, than look for it before you sign a lease.  And, get any promises in writing. 

: : I just moved into an apartment with a 4 month prepaid lease. The lease started on the 1st of this month. There were no three prong outlets in the apt. (and only 2 two prongs) when I moved in, and the landlord said he would put them in that day. It is now the 20th of the month, and they are still not in yet. I have asked the landlord 4 times, and left a note on his door last week. I haven't even moved in yet because I can't plug anything in! What laws does this pertain to? Is there anything I can do? At $1400 a month, I can't stand to wait much longer to move in.


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