Joe Farsetta

What Is That Third Prong For?



Posted: Tuesday, September 29, 2009

by Joe Farsetta
Inspection Arbitration Services

    DID YOU KNOW...

... that two-prong receptacles may be grounded? Often, people associate the third prong on an electrical receptacle as an indicator of whether the receptacle is grounded or not. In fact, the third prong has NOTHING to do with such a determination. The true purpose of the third prong is to extend the system ground to a device which may need it, which happens to correspond to the third prong on the power cord. The plug is inserted into the receptacle, and this third prong provides the electrical path for the system ground to be connected to the device or appliance. But, to have this accomplished, the SYSTEM must be grounded and there needs to be a path available in the branch distribution cabling, so as to extend the ground to the receptacle in question. This can only be verified via examination of the distribution system, which includes cabling, electrical panels, and electrical feeder and grounding cables into the dwelling.

Joe has a robust background in construction practices, home and commercial inspections. Joe has also served as an expert witness for his fellow inspectors in situations where a home owner has a dispute against the inspector. A successful businessman and executive, Joe is also a licensed, but non-practicing, Real Estate professional.  An inventor, published author, and seasoned businessman, Joe operates a Home Inspection business in New York state.
 
For more information on how to avert LAWSUITS before they happen, go to http://www.inspectionarbitrationservice.com.
 
For inspection industry information, go to http://www.jfarsetta.inspectionarbitrationservice.com
This Article has been viewed 706 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Nenita Wells
 2 years 223 days ago.
298 fans.
Hi Joe.
 
Thank you for the information. I always wondered what the third prong is for, now I know. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
 
Best to you.
 
And welcome to Searchwarp.
 
Nenita
» left by Joe Farsetta 2 years 209 days ago.
3 fans.
Hi Nenita, glad to share :)
» left by Dianne Lehmann
 2 years 222 days ago.
137 fans.
Hi Joe.
 
Thanks for the information and welcome to SearchWarp.
 
Dianne
» left by Joe Farsetta 2 years 209 days ago.
3 fans.
Hi Dianne. Glad you found the information helpful.
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