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I cut the head off an extension cord with uninsulated wire pliers while the extension cord was still plugged in. I was not electrocuted but the pliers were destroyed. Why did I not get electrocuted?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
The reason you were lucky not to have been electrocuted was probably because of these reasons:
1) This sequence took place within much less than a second: the pliers first cut through the Neutral wire, not the Hot wire, and that Neutral wire protected you when the pliers then went on to cut through the Hot wire.
2) The jaws of the pliers probably melted from the high current but that same high current caused the household power supply circuit's fuse or circuit breaker to cut off the currentbefore you could be electrocuted.
We all do something like that at some time or other, not only with electricity but using any tools we are unfamiliar with... driving a car... whatever. Now you must know that you were foolish to cut the cord without first making sure that the cord was unplugged from the supply outlet!
Sometimes we have to learn things the hard way and this was one good result from your mistake.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
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Does an extension cord use power if nothing is plugged into the other end?
If there is no load plugged into the cord there will be no power consumed. The only time the resistance of the cord will come into effect is when the circuit becomes energized through the load plugged into the end of the cord.
Can a 15 amp extension cord be plugged into a 20 amp breaker?
A 15 Amp extension cord can be plugged into a 20 Amp circuit. It is important that what you're extending does not require more then 10-12 Amps.
What are the parts of extension wire?
There are several parts to an extension cord. There is the "female" end where you would plug in the appliance, the cord, and then the "male" end which gets plugged into an outlet.
Can a microwave be plugged into an extension cord?
Yes, as long as the extension cord is rated for the load. Most microwave ovens use 1000W or more, some less. A standard two wire extension cord would be unsafe. There are, however, extension cords which have the proper gauge of wire and the necessary 3-prong outlets which a microwave would need to operate safely.
Can an extension cord plugged on a 230V socket outlet be used to connect a fully wired container with a distribution box?
You should know the maximum current drawn from the distribution box (in amps) and that must be less than the current that the extension cord is able to supply.
Is it safe to touch a extension cord while its plugged in?
Yes, it safe to touch a extension cord while its plugged in.
Would someone be electrocuted if a TV was smashed on their head?
If it's unplugged definatley not. But if it is plugged in, probably not but maybe.
Does an extension cord use power if nothing is plugged into the other end?
If there is no load plugged into the cord there will be no power consumed. The only time the resistance of the cord will come into effect is when the circuit becomes energized through the load plugged into the end of the cord.
Can a 15 amp extension cord be plugged into a 20 amp breaker?
A 15 Amp extension cord can be plugged into a 20 Amp circuit. It is important that what you're extending does not require more then 10-12 Amps.
What are the parts of extension wire?
There are several parts to an extension cord. There is the "female" end where you would plug in the appliance, the cord, and then the "male" end which gets plugged into an outlet.
Can you plug in an iPod touch wall charger to an extension cord?
Yes, you can put the iPod Touch wall charger into an extension cord. That extension cord has to be plugged into a wall to be able to charge the iPod, though.
Can you get electrocuted while taking a bath and talking on the cellphone?
yes because electricity does not go with water that's why you can get kill by an electricity.
Can a microwave be plugged into an extension cord?
Yes, as long as the extension cord is rated for the load. Most microwave ovens use 1000W or more, some less. A standard two wire extension cord would be unsafe. There are, however, extension cords which have the proper gauge of wire and the necessary 3-prong outlets which a microwave would need to operate safely.
What will cause a block heater cord to catch fire?
A break in the electrical wiring inside the cord - usually it is right by the male end that you are plugging in to power - so a replacement end can be put on the block heater cord ( those flames sure can startle a person ! ) After it happened to me , I always made sure that I plugged my block heater cord into my extension cord before I plugged my extension cord into the electric outlet
Can an extension cord plugged on a 230V socket outlet be used to connect a fully wired container with a distribution box?
You should know the maximum current drawn from the distribution box (in amps) and that must be less than the current that the extension cord is able to supply.
Which wire has greater resistance a light plugged into an extension cord or a light plugged directly into a wall?
Light and an extension cord. The extension cord will act as an added resistor in series. The more cord you add will only increase the overall resistance from the wall outlet. If you use a high gage extension cord, this will help reduce the resistance. But any cord will add resistance. If the gage is low, then the cord will actually heat up and you will be able to feel the heat. That is due to the resistance within the cord. Check out my sketch of how I perceive your Q: Chord + drop light w/chord ]---------------(]--------O Versus drop light w/chord ]--------O
Where does the engine block heater cord plug into the engine on the 2008 super duty?
Your engine block heater cord plug is plugged into an extension cord, then into your garage or home outlet. Not into the engine.
