I'm currently renting in the Pacific Northwest and I've come across a really strange outlet style on one of my walls that I've never seen before. I'm not sure how old it is, but the only similar ones I can find seem to be from Japan. It doesn't work right now and I'm wondering if I need to take any special steps to replace it. Can anyone help me figure this out?
2 Answers
That outlet is a Sierra triplex outlet, probably from the late '50s. They were intended to be decorative but can definitely pose some challenges. It's kind of nifty if you ask me! Just remember, it's missing the ground hole that today's outlets have, and there's likely no grounding wire connected to it either, which is something to keep in mind when replacing it.
Definitely an interesting find! Since it lacks a grounding hole, replacing it may be tricky. You'll need to ensure safety when swapping it out, especially since modern outlets require grounding for safety. Just check if your electric panel supports grounding before you decide on a new outlet.