the Three Prong Plug

 

Is it safe to cut the ground prong or use an adapter?

Although it is common to use a ground plug adapter, it is not safe for your home or electronics. Older outlets had only two slots: a narrow "hot" slot and a wide "neutral" slot. For safety, a round "ground" slot is included in a three-slot receptacle. If an outlet, cord, or appliance fails, the ground provides a path for the electricity to return to the breaker box. Without a ground, electricity will take the shortest path possible, which could be through your body. Using a ground plug adapter for a three-prong cord and a two-slot outlet with older electrical systems that do not have a dedicated grounding wire may cause shock.

A plug adapter, for example, can be purchased for very little money and requires very little effort to use, allowing you to use electrical devices in places where you would normally be unable to. They, however, do not provide any form of security. The third prong on devices protects against surges, malfunctions, and even fire. When you use an adapter, you disable that functionality, making them vulnerable to damage. A grounded circuit differs from a grounded plug adapter. Most people believe they are safe because they are sold in stores. When using one of these adapters, an electrical surge can cause electrocution or a fire.