Ground for Extension Cord?

Question

I have a heavy duty extension cord for power equipment. The ground (third prong) broke off of it (I don't know how or when).

If I plug this cord that doesn't have a grounding prong into, say, a surge protector that does have a grounding prong and I plug that into the wall, will the extension cord be grounded?

Answer 1

No, your heavy duty extension cord is not grounded now. Plugging it into other things (whether they are grounded or not) will not remedy this.

If the power tools that you are using have only 2 prongs on their plugs, then I wouldn't worry about this at all.

If you want to salvage your cord and restore its grounding capability, then purchase a new plug end (~$10, Lowes) and follow the instructions on the box to connect it. You will need to cut off the old one, and use a pair of insulation strippers and a phillips head screw driver to connect the new one. Polarity is important, so don't goof it up. Pay attention to which side of the cord connects to the hot wire (smaller prong, black wire) versus the neutral (white wire, larger prong), and the ground wire (green, 3rd prong).

Good luck.

Answer 2

no you need that third wire for a ground. i'm gonna tell ya right now people have died for screwing around with electricity when they have no business doing so. i read it every month in my Electrical Contractor Magazine. Just get a new extension cord buddy, it's not worth taking a chance. Sure it might work - maybe for a short amount of time ~ and maybe it will fry whatever you put into after awhile. Why take the chance.

Answer 3

No the ground stops at the point of breakage of the third prong.

Answer 4

Absolutly not! take wire cutters and cut off that plug, and install a new on which you can buy at your local hardware stor for a couple bucks.