Difference between plug cord with earth and plug cord without ground

The plug is an important factor in the power cord that connects the power cord to the main power source via the wall outlet. Normally, there is a plug at one end of the power cord, and there is another connector that connects an outlet and an electrical device / machine.

All power plugs share specific characteristics, such as transmitting DC current and changing current to the connector. However, there are many differences that affect compatibility with connector code and various electrical products.

The power cord has a ground type and a no n-ground type. Please read here about the two differences and why it is important.

What is grounding?

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Since the ground is a characteristic that distinguishes the ground plug cord and the no n-ground plug cord, it is wise to define the ground first. The grounding or grounding system is a route that led overcurrent to the ground to prevent electrical danger.

The earth is conductive to convey electricity, reducing potential risks. Therefore, ground is a safety function that helps prevent electricit y-related injuries, death, and physical damage.

Earth/ contact in electrical engineering dates back to the early 1800s by German scientist Karl Auguste Steinhalele. Steinhale, a pioneer in telegraph, has discovered that the earth functions as a return route to complete the circuit.

In 1918, the US National Electric Code (NEC) declared that all buildings and transformers should be grounded unless they were specially approved. In 1971, NEC obliged the standard 120V outlet of all home aerial 120V outlet / receptacle.

With the development of a receptacle with ground, the ground terminal was born on a ground plug containing NEMA approval devices such as C13 plugs and C13 connectors. However, the no n-ground plug has not been abolished yet. You can still find such plugs in the market, such as NEMA 1 and NEMA 5 plugs.

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Ground plug code

The features of the ground plug are three programs, two parallel programs, and one central process. The parallel two programs conform to the corresponding slots of the wall receptacle, neutral slots and hot slots, and the third proongs conform to Earth Slots.

Electricity flows from the hot slot to the electrical device and returns through the neutral slot, completing the electrical circuit. The main switch features an electrical plug connector where the hot and neutral electrical paths join.

The third prong of a grounded plug, on the other hand, is connected to a metal plate on the electrical device for safety, just like the ground on an extension cord. This keeps the voltage generated during power surges away from the electrical device and tools.

Advantages of Grounded Plug Cords

Grounded plug cords have numerous advantages that make them a viable option compared to non-grounded plugs. Below is a summary of those advantages.

• First, the third prong of a grounded plug cord acts as a safety feature, so there is no need to purchase an additional safety feature like an earth lock connector. A ground lock connector is a lock-and-twist device with an integrated pole and wire that is inserted into a wall power outlet to carry the current.
• Second, grounded plugs are readily available and do not require an adapter, as they are compatible with most electrical devices and power outlets.
• The earth wire serves the safety function of a circuit breaker, protecting electrical appliances from damage.
• Grounded plug cords are generally double-insulated for added safety against electric shock. Double-insulated plugs are marked with a symbol of a small box inside a large box to help consumers identify this feature while shopping.

Which electrical appliances are compatible with grounded plug cords?

As mentioned above, grounded plug cords are compatible with more electrical appliances than non-grounded ones. Such electrical appliances include high-power devices like laptops and PCs, most small and large electrical appliances in the home, power tools, etc.

In addition, if the outlet is too far from the electrical appliance, the extension cord connecting to such an appliance must also have a grounding function. Otherwise, electrical appliances with grounded plugs remain at risk of electrocution during a power surge if the power receptacle, power strip, or extension cord is not grounded.

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Non-grounded Plug Cords

Unlike grounded plug cords, non-grounded plug cords, also known as floating devices, only have two parallel prongs. The first prong plugs into the neutral slot of a wall power outlet, and the second prong plugs into the hot slot.

As a result, no n-ground plug cords do not have a ground mechanism that functions as a circuit breaker, which increases the risk of electrical shocks and damage to electrical appliances. In addition, the floating plug cord releases an electric field in the range of up to 6 to 8 feet. This electric field binds to conductors such as metal, water, and elements with charges in the body, and enhances the risk of electric shock death within that range.

Which appliances are compatible with no n-ground plug cords?

No n-ground plug cord increases the risk of electric shock, but can be used for plugs with minimal power consumption. Such devices include a mobile phone charger or shaver.

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Conclusion

The ground plug code is a better option to protect the safety of home and appliances. However, the safety function of the plug with earth only functions when connected to an outlet with ground. Therefore, the ground pole of the ground plug should not be removed to connect to the unified outlet. In addition, taking special precautionary measures, such as using a leakage breaker (GFCI), is not a loss. < SPAN> As a result, no n-ground plug cords do not have a ground mechanism that functions as a circuit breaker, which increases the risk of damage to electric shocks and electrical appliances. In addition, the floating plug cord releases an electric field in the range of up to 6 to 8 feet. This electric field binds to conductors such as metal, water, and elements with charges in the body, and enhances the risk of electric shock death within that range.