I have an outdoor grounded outlet with the large prong broken off in it. Can I grab it with pliers and pull it out safely?
2006-09-16 16:36:09 · 11 answers · asked by heylady 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You should always cut the power just to be safe ; ) Then go ahead
2006-09-16 16:38:35 · answer #1 · answered by absens_heros 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The simple answer is to say yes. However there is always the chance of shock anytime you mess with electricity. Just to be safe find the breaker and turn it off and then put a piece of tape over the switch and a note so that no one turns it on while you are retrieving the broken prong.I was working on a friends house once long ago I was taking out a wall in his kitchen. I could see the breaker box in the garage from where I was working. I was ready to take out the light switch in the wall I was removing. I walked out and flipped the breaker off. I walked back to cut the wires. I picked up my diagonal cutters and cut the wire. Sparked went everywhere .Well wouldn't you know it , my friends five year old boy had watched me turn the breaker off and he had dragged a milk crate over to the breaker box and climbed upon it and flipped the breaker back on just as I cut the wires. I jumped as the wires arced and sparked all over the place. I turned to see the breaker box and there he was standing on the milk crate smiling big time.
2006-09-16 16:58:25 · answer #2 · answered by windyy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes be sure to turn the power off (breaker) then with a small pair of pliers pull out very carefully.Then don't forget to repair the cord that has no ground on it.Turn power back on.
2006-09-16 17:24:59 · answer #3 · answered by Douglas R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should turn the breaker off first. you can find a inexpensive electrical tester @ Home Depot made by Dottie. It will be the size of a fat pen and will have an end that you can insert into the outlet. This tester will detect current even in jacketed wires.
2006-09-16 19:09:24 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. bhap 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is the ground. You can always turn the circuit breaker off for the plug if you are scared. Also, you can use an insulated pair of pliers and/or use gloves.
2006-09-16 16:38:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, but ONLY if you turn the power off at yoru breaker first. You will electrocute yourself if you try it w/o turning off the power, even w/ rubber-handled pliers.
2006-09-16 16:45:38 · answer #6 · answered by Sugar Pie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the ground.
You can't pull it for any useful purpose. It will only break further if you pull.
Replace the plug. The ground is a safety feature.
2006-09-16 16:40:35 · answer #7 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is at earth potential, so touching it will be quite safe. Just be careful to stay away from the slots -- particularly the smaller one.
2006-09-16 16:39:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would. But if you feel safer, find the breaker to that outlet and turn it off.
2006-09-16 16:39:16 · answer #9 · answered by wallyinsa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always turn off and tag.
2006-09-16 19:47:10 · answer #10 · answered by disco legend zeke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋