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Outlets with only two slots have no ground connection. That’s more common on very old outlets, which means it’s more likely the outlet won’t be polarized. You’ll have to closely examine the slots to see if there’s a size difference indicating polarization. Keep in mind outlets this old are usually out of code and should be replaced if you’re doing any electrical work.

The cost to replace or install an electrical outlet can vary. On average, you can expect to pay between $125 and $215 per outlet, including labor and materials. For a standard 120v outlet, the material cost is typically between $10 and $50. Labor costs for an electrician usually range from $50 to $100 per hour. The total cost can be higher if there are complex electrical issues to resolve. Specialized outlets like GFCI or high-voltage types can cost up to $50 each for the material alone. If you are replacing many outlets throughout your home, the total project cost could be between $900 and $3,000, but you may receive a better per-outlet rate from the electrician.

The standard copper wire gauge to use with any 30-amp circuit is a 10-gauge wire. The National Electric Code specifies a 10-gauge wire with appliances like water heaters running on 30 amps. If you try to use a smaller gauge wire, such as a 12 gauge, with a 30-amp breaker, you run the risk of the wire overheating and melting or causing a fire. Because of the safety hazards, the gauge of the wire is not an area to try to cut costs when connecting a 30-amp breaker to a water heater.

First, check the current electrical code in your area to ensure spaces you’re considering meet the requirements. After that, your outlet’s location is up to you. If you’re moving it to hide wiring, you may want to move it in a spot that will also be hidden from view, such as behind a media center or table. As long as you meet the spacing guidelines set by electrical codes, you should be able to pick any spot in your home for an outlet.