Settle an argument for me, re: use of 3 pronged plug adapters

[Critters2]

Poll question: Settle an argument for me, re: use of 3 pronged plug adapters

Not sure my cousin will accept the opinions of DUers as authoritative...but I will! :hi:

[petronius]

1. How about "probably not ideal but everyone does it anyway and pretty much

no one burns the house down"?

That's my vote...

[Critters2]

2. That's my theory. My cousin says I'm going to get electrocuted

by using an adaptor with my new carpet cleaner. She's deeply concerned. I said everyone does it. She's not moved by this.

[Critters2]

3. To those voting "not safe"...is it possible to have 2 pronged outlets

made into 3 pronged outlets...and if so, how much would such a thing cost? Cuz I have like 2 3-pronged outlets in the whole damn house!! For some reason, this carpet cleaner's manual says not to use an extension cord with it. So, really, the question for me is which is the more dangerous thing to do...use a three pronged extension cord plugged into the three pronged outlets, or use an adapter to plug the 3 pronged plug into a 2 pronged outlet...?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

7. You can probably get it changed into a 3-pronged outlet

And it'll probably cost less than $25 an outlet. We were quoted as $23 an outlet, and we live in a more expensive area than you.

FWIW, we use an extension cord with our washing machine, so I'd probably just take a chance with the extension cord or adapter. It's not like you'll be using it unattended. Just unplug it when you're done.

[LeftyMom]

8. You can do it yourself. It will involve a few bucks worth of materials per outlet and a screwdriver.

If you don't feel comfortable DIYing it, any competent handyman can do it, I wouldn't pay extra for a fully trained electrician unless you need other work, it'd be overkill.

The extension cord should be fine, provided you don't let the join get wet and your cord is in good condition. I suspect the worry is frayed cord over damp carpet, or improperly connected extension over damp carpet.

[TreasonousBastard]

11. The manual sez don't use an extension cord because...

too many people would use some crappy dollar store extension cord which would overheat and cause other problems, and not just fire-related ones-- you could burn out the motor before the cord melted.

And, some geniuses might hook up a dozen extension cords to get the thing out to the pool.

Anyway, the ground is nice to have, but not necessary for operation, even safe operation. If you want, most of the time you can hook the little wire on the adapter to the screw on the plate and get a decent ground.

Best thing is replacing the outlets with grounded ones and it's easy and it doesn't take an electrician of you're handy-- I do it all the time. Most household wiring has a green ground wire or grounded BX shielding so just it's a snap putting a new outlet in and getting the grounding right. UL listed outlets can cost as little as a buck, but more-- almost always under 5 bucks. (And NEVER get one without the UL label on it-- and DON'T screw up getting the black and white wires connected to the proper screws or slots)

While you're thinking about changing outlets, think about putting GFI (ground fault interruption) outlets in the kitchen and bath. Under 10 bucks for decent UL listed ones and these ARE the things that could save your life-- they're designed to trip when you're about to electrocute yourself by doing something stupid like changing a light bulb while leaning on a faucet. I wouldn't do this as an expreiment, but they should trip if the TV fall into the tub. You've probably seen them on the plug end of hairdryers made for the past few years-- imagine what people were doing to kill themselves to get manufacturers to add these gizmos...

[Critters2]

12. I'd use one of those big, thick orange extension cords. That should be okay, no?

I'm gonna talk to my board of Trustees and point out how few three pronged outlets I have. I figure one or two of them will know how to change them. If not, I'll look back at this thread for pointers. :)

Btw, my bathroom has one of those "test/reset" outlets. That's one of the few three pronged ones in the house.

[TreasonousBastard]

17. Orange doesn't always mean good. Look at...

the maximum wattage the cord will handle and make sure it's more than the gadget you're using. And don't string too many together-- lengthening the cord adds resistance so things change and the maximum wattage is reduced. Orange tubing is cheap so some hucksters will put an orange cover on a cheapass cord and try to pass it off as something for industrial use-- gotta always read the fine print.

(You got a GFI-- someone noticed the revised code which requires them in the bathroom, so you got one.)

[mwooldri]

19. Depends on the house wiring.

I'm more up to speed with UK electrical code rather than US code. UK plugs all have to be grounded, and the wiring must include a ground wire. Plus its double the voltage...

US wiring didn't need to include it until the 1960s... my guess is that you have an older house.

Can you convert a 2 prong outlet to a 3 prong outlet? Bottom line, yes you can do it.

What I would do first though is this:

1) Turn off the power. You don't have to do the whole house, just trip the breaker that supplies power to that receptable (plug in a lamp and switch until it goes off).
2) Open up a socket with a 2 prong receptable and inspect the wiring.

If the wiring inside contains a bare copper wire or a green wire then there's a ground circuit and you could just swap out the receptacle. They're 50c at Lowes or Home Depot each.

Something that you can do that would be in code would be to replace the 2 prong outlet with a GFCI outlet (one that trips when there's a fault). These are more expensive ($10 each), and they come with labels that indicate there's no ground, which if there is no ground you MUST attach the label to the outlet. It would protect YOU in the case of an electrical fault, but not the equipment. It's not the safest but it's far safer than that 3 prong to 2 prong adapter.

My advice: consult an electrician. Even if there is earthing wires in the boxes, they may not be connected correctly and the electrician can test them. Older houses could be grounded through the cable conduit if it's metal, again have an electrician test this.

If you can't afford an electrician and must have a 3 prong outlet, go the GFCI route, and if there's a ground wire, hook it up anyway... if it's a metal box, pigtail a wire from the metal box to the GFCI receptable. Then hope for the best. That's far safer than any 2 prong to 3 prong adapter - but a grounded receptable is safest best, and a grounded GFCI safest of all.

ABOUT EXTENSION CABLES:

Though equipment says "don't use", at the end of the day it depends on the type of extension cord that you use. Their reasoning for telling you not to use an extension cord is that most people would try the thin orange extension cords - the appliance you would be connecting would appear to draw lots of current and would make such wire run hot, even melt and cause a fire. The equipment manufacturers don't want to get sued so it's easy for them to say "don't use with extension cords" and if there's a problem they can say "told you so".

However you can safely use an extension cord. With extension cords the rule needs to be: 1) short as possible, 2) wire needs to be fat or fatter than the cord of the appliance. A 12 gauge extension cord may well do what you need to do.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed electrician. I nearly completed my Electrical/Electronic Engineering degree and read a few things about the subject at hand.

Mark.

[Inchworm]

4. Safe is relative

hehe

The third prong has a purpose :)

:hi:

[kayakjohnny]

5. Whew, I thought this was going to be a sex thread.

Imagine my relief.

[Critters2]

6. My third double entendre today! I'm wicked creative! nt

[Deja Q]

10. Right - you google "3 prong adapter" with 'safe search' off. See what happens.

:blush:

[Fire Walk With Me]

9. Please make sure that your appliances are properly hooked up.

Consult an electrician if necessary. We don't want to see you having reason to post another "xxx went wrong in my home" thread!

[Shell Beau]

13. I will put a 2 pronged adaptor in a 3 pronged outlet, but never vice versa.

I am no electrician though. The ASVAB test told me to be an electrician though! :P

[Orrex]

14. If you file down the points on the larger prong of a polarized plug, it fits both ways

You still might have to force it, though.

[Critters2]

15. That seems like a really bad idea, even to me! nt

[Orrex]

16. Feh. Ye of little faith.

Heck, you can even cut off the plug, strip the wires, and jam them directly into the outlet. Works like a charm!

[Shell Beau]

18. The last electrician that visited my office stuck a screwdriver

in the socket. And whatever he did worked. I thought he was crazy, but he said oh ye of little faith. :crazy: