The third prong from an extension cord broke off and is now stuck in the wall outlet. It is partially sticking out but is it safe to touch it? How should I remove it?
2007-12-21 02:47:15 · 15 answers · asked by DJ 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I just thumbs-upped all of the answers that have been thumbs-downed! It CAN be pulled out without shutting off the power, with pliers, because there will be no voltage on that prong. However, no matter how steady your hand is, there is still a small danger that the metal-tipped tool you are holding in your hands will contact the live part of the receptacle. I have the dexterity to do it without slipping, but because of the minute possibility that I slip (I could be bumped from behind, sneeze, get stung by an insect), it is well worth the tiny effort of turning off a single circuit breaker.
Also think of the example you might be setting for anyone watching you - would they automatically know that what you are doing in a grounded part of the receptacle should not be attempted on the live parts?
2007-12-21 06:00:50 · answer #1 · answered by maddog27271 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Almost everyone answered this correctly, surprised me! Just carefully pull it out with a pair of pliers. No need to shut off the power. However, either throw the extension cord away or fix it. Do not use it again without the ground prong! You can purchase a new male cord cap at any hardware store.
2007-12-21 05:09:44 · answer #2 · answered by gr8alarmguy 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The surge protector will still work --- The surge protector simply shuts the circuit off if a certain amount of extremely high current flows between the 120 volt leads of whatever is plugged in -- even if a person manages to get their fingers into the two "hot" leads. The broken off part is a safety ground needed in case of a short to ground or metal case of your unit. The surge protectors are not very expensive, usually ten to thirty bucks which is nothing in this day and age. You can run ungrounded eq. for many years without any problem at all. It is a safety factor against electrical shock to persons. As such it should be kept in working order. I do not recall ever running across a piece of eq. that has to have a G.F.I. in place in order for it to operate correctly. Building codes and insurance companies require a G.F.I be bn place under certain conditions.
2016-05-25 07:28:04 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a pair of pliers and pull her out of their, you're okay. The third prong is only connected to ground, which means it's a safe passage for an overflow of electrons. It's all gravy baby!
2007-12-21 03:00:52 · answer #4 · answered by skibm80 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First turn the power (breaker off) to that outlet, now you can use anything you want to remove the prong. You probably could do the same with the power on, but it's best for all involved to have the power off.
2007-12-21 03:36:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
It is safe to touch. Grab it with a pliers or whatever you have handy. It will pull right out. Buy a new plug to repair the cord.
2007-12-21 10:18:45 · answer #6 · answered by John himself 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it's safe to touch, just don't stick anything conductive in the other two holes. It's as safe to touch as your sink's water faucet. That round conductor is (almost always) connected to the water pipes in the house and/or a metal rod shoved into the ground. Very safe to touch even with the circuit breaker on.
2007-12-21 02:49:50 · answer #7 · answered by guyster 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
if it's the rounded ground prong just grab it with a pair of pliers and pull it out. It won't hurt you.
2007-12-21 02:58:23 · answer #8 · answered by jamzm2002 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
The 3rd prong is connected to Earth GND for safety. It is actually connected to the metal casings of your appliances and you are touching them everyday. No problem to touch it.
Safety first! Turn off the main line switch before attempting to remove it!
2007-12-21 02:59:56 · answer #9 · answered by Think Tank™ II 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
That would be the ground. You can safely pull it our without harming your self
2007-12-21 03:54:10 · answer #10 · answered by jepa8196 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋