![]() ![]() That’s important to highlight, since some people falsely think that by just modifying a two-prong plug into a three-prong plug, the cord will already be considered grounded. Where will the extra current surge flow if there’s no ground wire? It’s just one part of the safety blanket, after all. You have to remember that it’s not so much the presence of the prong that matters. those that aren’t medium or heavy-duty).Īre all three-pronged cords considered grounded? They’re still okay to cover the lengths required to power small appliances that don’t need grounding (i.e. The third grounded extension cord wire is there to help protect against shocks from metal-cased appliances, after all.ĭon’t chuck away your ungrounded extension cord just yet, though. Ungrounded cords are far riskier to use than their grounded counterparts. Have you ever entertained the thought of removing the ground prong on a plug? I hope you block it out for good because doing so is equivalent to putting yourself in direct danger from electrical shocks. Two-prong appliances, especially double-insulated ones, should be fine as well. It’s only safe to use ungrounded cords with light-duty, simple appliances like alarm clocks and small lighting fixtures, assuming you’re sure that the devices are still in good, working condition. Is it ok to use an extension cord without a ground? That being said, it’s never advisable to use a 3-prong appliance with an ungrounded extension cord. An exception can be made for double-insulated devices. You’ll be able to tell this immediately if they come with a three-prong plug. You have to use a grounded outdoor or indoor extension cord for any tool or electrical equipment that needs grounding. When should you use a grounded extension cord? However, grounded extension cords do not so much provide direct electric shock protection as they help to prevent most appliances from becoming natural shock hazards when you touch them. Yes, they’re grounded precisely for that purpose. FAQsĭo grounded extension cords protect from electrical shock? Only a ground wire in an extension cord or proper insulation can prevent them. ![]() Typically, they happen because the appliance’s wires come in contact with its casing. Lastly, you may be wondering what causes the electric shocks in the first place. This underscores the importance of knowing which type of extension cord to use (two-prong or three-prong) based on your appliances’ individual loads.
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