What is a self-grounding outlet?

Answer by  Brandon55 (1719)

Modern wiring, especially in bathrooms, comes with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This type of breaker is designed to protect people from faulty wiring or accidents involving things like water. Since electricity flows at a steady rate, the GFCI will pop open if the ground is interrupted or the normal flow abruptly changes.

Answer by  SallyJ (1010)

A self-grounding outlet is an electrical outlet that is installed in a metal box. This box can be connected to an existing grounding system. If the outlet it is replacing is ungrounded (an old two-pin outlet) and the metal box is also ungrounded, the new outlet will not be grounded either.

Answer by  Jonah (6)

It is a outlet with 2 to 3 holes allowing a plug-in to get put into it. Self grounding receptacles are listed to allow and provide ground via the yoke when it is attached to a grounded metal box. That is what gives the cord you plugging into a outlet power.

Answer by  Bugmann (130)

A GFCI outlet has a small breaker in it that will open in a ground fault situation. It is not actually grounded.