Plug-ins power our everyday electrical devices. Some plugs have two prongs, while others have three. So what is the third prong in the plug for? Show
The third prong is a grounding safety feature that protects from malfunctions. In fact, based on an estimate by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCIs, have prevented 50% of home electrocutions. Let’s explore how three-prong plugs work and what they do in our electrical systems. What Does the Third Prong on a Plug Do?Most North American outlets have two vertical slots. The hot wire is the right slot, and the left is the neutral wire. First, electricity travels through the hot wire to power your device. Then, the current continues by returning to the outlet through the neutral wire. Without this loop, the circuit would be incomplete. In other words, for an outlet or device to function, you only need two prongs. The rounded third prong on a plug is a ground prong or grounding wire. Electricity is always looking for a path to the ground. If damage or a malfunction occurs, altering the circuit, the ground wire is an emergency path that protects you and your devices from electric shock. In a two-prong outlet, a loose wire or malfunction might cause the electrical current to connect with the outer parts of the device or outlet. Two-prong plugs are insulated, but the outer layers can wear down over time or with continuous use. Third Prong FAQs Here are some commonly asked questions about the three-prong plug. Is it safe to use a “cheater plug” or remove the third prong?If you have a three-pronged plug, it will only fit into three-prong outlets. However, you can’t cut off the third prong, as it completes the ground circuit. It’s a crucial safety feature that protects against faults. Cheater plugs or AC ground lifters adapters that allow three-pronged plug devices to function with a two-pronged outlet. However, it doesn’t complete the grounding circuit. The outlet will power your device, but it is a temporary solution that removes the safety feature. What can I do for outlets with only two prongs?Suppose the device you want to use has a three-prong plug, but you only have access to a two-prong outlet. An adapter is a helpful short-term fix, but it shouldn’t support long-term uses or outdoor devices. Alternatively, an electrician can upgrade your ungrounded outlets into three-prong outlets. Why do some electronics have only two prongs?Some devices have built-in surge protection without a ground prong. It’s a necessary safety feature when using a two-prong or ungrounded outlet. Instead of a ground wire, these devices use an internal voltage adapter or insulation that protects the device from a short circuit. The holes that appear in 98% of appliances with flat two-prong plugs are not for grounding. They are a safety feature that grips inside the socket to prevent slipping. Why do some plugs have a third prong?The added safety of 3-prong plugs is crucial for any appliance or cable intended for outdoor or wet area usage. Moisture and external factors can wear on plugs and lead to hazardous malfunctions. Ungrounded outlets or plugs are more likely to suffer malfunctions, flare-ups, and electrical fires. Are Plug Adapters Safe?Adapters are not as safe as grounded three-prong plugs or surge-protected two-prong devices. Although, while not inherently dangerous, adapters can be a risk in some cases. Do not use adapters for:
ConclusionIf you’re unsure about the grounding of your outlets, it’s wise to get your electrical system assessed. You can also upgrade your two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets with the help of our professional electricians in Richmond, VA. Contact U.S. Electric to assess your electrical system and make changes or upgrades. Call us now for a free quote!
From when you get out your blow-dryer in the morning to when you go to charge your phone at night, odds are you're plugging something into an outlet ten or fifteen times a day. However, you probably don't pay much mind to the purpose of the three holes you're plugging that device into. If you look at an outlet, you'll notice three distinct components: two vertical slits and a round hole slightly below or above their midpoint. So, what's the purpose of these three distinct parts of a plug?ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb The smaller vertical slit in an outlet is known as the "hot" side, into which electricity flows into the plug. The larger vertical slit is the neutral side, which acts as the pathway by which the electricity from the hot side returns. In the case of an alternating current (AC) system, the direction in which the electricity enters the plug changes periodically. You might be asking yourself why there's a third section on a three prong outlet if the current already has a pathway along which to travel, thanks to the two existing plugs. This is where the ground prong comes in. The ground prong—the part of your plug that goes into the round hole in your outlet—is primarily there for your safety. The ground prong delivers excess electricity that might have escaped the circuit, like in the case of a loose or uninsulated wire, to the ground. "A three prong outlet has a centerpiece that connects it to the direct ground," explains Frank Thompson, an electrician with New York City Electricians. "The ground is the neutral wire that prevents a spike in the circuit or some kind of overload. It prevents your electrical unit from being burned. If there's a spark, it will hit the breaker right away." If, for instance, a wire came loose in your metal-encased appliance and touched its exterior, the device would become electrified. If you were to then touch the appliance's exterior, the electricity could then flow into you, shocking or potentially killing you. However, the ground wire ensures that any errant electrical charges are being sent to ground, a non-conductive destination where they won't cause harm. "If you have a ground, you won't have a static shock, and it keeps you from getting electrocuted, since your body is a conductor," says Frank. And while it's usually easy to tell the hot and neutral sides of an outlet from one another based on size alone, if you're not sure, there's a foolproof trick to figure it out, according to Thompson. If you're rewiring an outlet, the colors of the screws on the outlet will tell you which is which. "You can always tell by the screws: the gold is the hot one, the silver is the neutral," says Thompson. To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram!
August 20, 2015 You might have wondered about the third prong on an electrical plug. If you didn’t know, the third prong on plug is the ground connector. It is round and just under the two blade-style plug protrusions. It is a critical piece included with outdoor extension cords and also on any device that is not fully shielded. You can think of it as an emergency path for electricity to travel through if a short circuit or other fault develops inside the electrical device. How the Third Prong on a Plug Works
Is It Safe to Cut the Ground Prong or Use an Adapter?
Why Do Some Plugs Have Three Prongs and Some Do Not?
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Why do some plugs have 3 prongs
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