The third prong on an electrical cord is the ground plug . Since plenty of cords have only two, it may not seem terribly important—but according to national electric code, it’s an important safety feature that could save your life. Literally.
Why do extension cords have 3 prongs?
Standard extension cords are available with either two or three prongs. One prong is “hot,” the second is “neutral,” and the third serves as a path to the ground wire. This third prong drastically reduces the risk of shock and electrical fires by giving power surges a safe place to dissipate .
Is the 3rd prong on an electrical cord needed?
All three-prong plugs must be connected to electrical receptacles that can receive a three-pronged plug. ... When you plug in a three-pronged plug, that third prong is providing an alternate pathway for electricity in the event of a fault . If you cut the third prong off of a plug, you defeat the safety feature.
What is the point of the third prong on a plug?
The standard 3-prong receptacle is called a grounding receptacle because it allows a grounding wire to be connected from the electrical circuit to the appliance. The grounding wire is connected to the third prong of the plug.
What is the difference between a 2 and 3 prong plug?
The main difference between a two-prong outlet and a three-prong outlet is that a three-prong outlet has a ground wire , while a two-prong outlet doesn’t. ... Well, a ground wire is basically a wire that acts as a shortcut and directs any surge of excess electricity to safely flow into the ground.
Is it safe to plug a 2-prong into a 3 prong extension cord?
Do not plug an extension cord or power strip into it. ... This is a 2-prong cord being plugged into a 3-prong extension cord. Although the extension cord has a grounding prong the equipment cord does not. This means the equipment is not safely grounded even though it does have power.
Can I take off the third prong on an extension cord?
The third prong on an electrical cord is the ground plug. ... It is not safe to cut the ground prong . Ever. Here’s why: A ground prong creates an emergency path for electricity to travel through if a short circuit or fault happens within the device.
Is it safe to use a three-prong adapter?
As long as an adapter plug makes contact with a grounded screw, using a three-prong adapter may be a relatively safe option , at least in the short term. Using an adapter with an ungrounded outlet increases the risk of serious electrical shock or electrocution from faulty or damaged products.
What happens if a 3 prong outlet is not grounded?
If a three-prong outlet is installed with only two wires and no grounding path, we call it an ungrounded three-prong outlet. ... An ungrounded three-prong outlet increases the potential for shocks or electrocution , and prevents surge protectors from doing their job, which may allow for damage to electronic components.
Why do some electrical plugs have one prong larger than the other?
Polarized nongrounding-type plugs have one prong, the neutral, that’s larger than the other to ensure that the hot wire, which is the smaller one, is tapped correctly . ... To keep things simple, an outlet’s power flows from hot to neutral.
Can I use 3 prong plug without ground?
For example, ungrounded three-prong outlets can be installed ; however, there are risks involved with using non-grounded three-prong outlets. ... Simply adding an outlet with an additional prong will give you added appliance access, but it will not give you the safety that grounding provides.
Why do electrical plugs have 2 holes in them?
These bumps fit into the holes so that the outlet can grip the plug’s prongs more firmly . This detenting prevents the plug from slipping out of the socket due to the weight of the plug and cord. It also improves the contact between the plug and the outlet.
What is the advantage of a 3 pin plug over a 2 pin plug?
Thus, 3-pin plugs ensure our safety from the current , as compared to a 2-pin plug. 3-pin plugs also limit the amount of power that can flow through the circuit, as compared to a 2-pin plug. Hence 3-pin plugs are safer as compared to 2-pin plugs.
Are 2 prong outlets legal?
Are Two Prong Outlets Legal? According to the National Electric Code, two-prong outlets are allowed in homes as long as they are properly working . If you choose to replace your two prong outlet, you do not have to upgrade to a newer model.
Are 2 prong plugs safe?
The main reason two-prong outlets are considered outdated and dangerous is due to their lack of grounding. ... This is what makes two-prong outlets the least safe of any type of outlet . Two-prong outlets have connections only for hot and neutral wire, hence their name.
Why is it not safe to plug an appliance with a three prong plug into an extension cord with two slot socket?
Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn. Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit . This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock.
