3-prong to 2-prong electrical outlet?

Question

I bought a 3-prong to 2-prong electrical adaptor. It says that is a "grounded adaptor." Is it a problem to use this, or is it dangerous?

Do I need to screw the adapter tab into the screw on the outlet? Does that truly ground the adapter?

There is no wire hanging from the adapter...it simply is a small adapter you plug your 3-prong cord into then plug the adapter into a 2-prong outlet.

Also, is it a problem to plug a surge protector into the adapter, and attach 4-5 appliances to the protector (computer, printer, etc.)?

How am I supposed to know if my 2-prong outlet is grounded???? Without buying some piece of equipment or doing detective work in my apartment building???

Answer 1

No it is not a problem. It is good to use grounded adapter.

Answer 2

There is only one way to truly answer this question, you must buy a receptacle tester for 5 bucks.

When you plug the adaptor to the 2-prong outlet & ground the tab, you are assuming that the 2-prong plug is somehow grounded. If it is not grounded, your 3-prong outlet cannot be grounded. If "grounding" that tab to the 2-prong plug doesn't work, you can gound it to nearby plumbing by running a piece of wire from the tab on the adaptor, to nearby copper (plumbing, drains,etc..).

Run this ground to plumbing BEFORE you plug the adaptor in.

Don't do it this way unless you have to, it works fine, but there are better ways to do it. It just depends on your budget.

Answer 3

This is perfectly OK to use this adaptor if the following; 1)The tab on the adaptor has to be screwed in with a metal screw ,the same screw that holds your receptacle cover plate on 2) The box that holds your receptacle you are plugging into has to have a ground.If the box is grounded that ground carries through to the metal hole on the receptacle to the tab on your adaptor. In this way it is the same as plugging into a regular 3 prong receptacle. If the box is not grounded the adaptor is only allowing to plug in the 3 prong but it is not grounded.Hope this is clear and helps. Good luck.

Answer 4

the adaptor will have a wire hanging on it - this should go to an electrical ground - like a water pipe in the basement or to the electrical panel.
If you dont attach the wire to a ground, and use a metal drill in a pool of water, etc. then it is dangerous !

Answer 5

It lies.. once you remove the bottom ground prong it's no longer grounded.
Most will scream "Danger to manifold will robinson, you will Die!"..
but not really..
Ok if you're doing hazard stuff like drilling a pilot hole into a live 220 mains box while standing in a puddle of water.. then it's a good idea to have that 3rd ground prong in place.. and you have much more serious issues.
But for "normal" household use.. you'll live.

Note: some fluorescent fixtures need ground to run stable and not flicker.

Answer 6

There will be no problem using the adopter. When you plug it in, loosen the screw that is on the plate, and put the extra wire that is on the adopter onto the screw, and tighten it up. Make sure it gets a good connection (no paint or anything) when you tighten it. You are good to go..good luck..

Answer 7

Sounds like you need to find an apartment building with less than 30 year old wiring.

Answer 8

im not sure if it is dangerous but i use one on a air mattress pump.. seems to work well, i suppose!!!!

Answer 9

the last thing he said was " go ahead and plug it in"...

Answer 10

If it were dangerous they wouldnt allow it to be manufactured.