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The three pins are live, neutral and earth. The live and neutral carry the current, and the earth should carry no current.
Its function is to connect together the external parts of all pieces of equipment so that it's impossible to get a shock by touching two items at once.
Another function is to connect the external parts to an earth rod and to the gas and water pipes in the property.
Another function is that if an internal fault allows a live wire to touch the case, enough current will flow to blow the fuse or trip the circuit breaker.
So in different ways the earth pin/wire provides an important safety feature.
In Europe the earth wire is coloured green and yellow.
What else can I help you with?
Why you use three pin plug insted of two pin?
In an electrical socket, there are three holes. One is a hot wire, one is a neutral wire, and one is a ground wire. Usually, the hot wire is black. The neutral wire is white. And the ground wire is green. Motors usually have three pin plugs. Other items also have them. When a motor has a three pin plug, the body of the motor is attached to the ground. If a spark goes from the electrical wires to the body of the motor, it will go harmlessly to the ground and not hurt anyone. On a two pin plug, usually one pin is larger than the other. The larger pin goes to the neutral or white wire. It is also grounded. That way if there is an electrical short in the device, it should not electrocute the person using it.
Is it okay to use an adapter to change a three pin plug into a two pin plug?
No, it is not ok, it is potentially very dangerous because the two-wire cable has no earth with it. The earth wire is an important safety component that comes with a three-pin plug. An exception can be made for certain low-power appliances that have double insulation. This includes TV sets, radios, and table lights provided the mounting is plastic and not metal. These appliances are commonly sold with a twin-wire cable but often with a three-pin plug on the end of it. The three-pin plug in this case often has a plastic 'earth' pin and it is safe to replace it with a two-pin plug.
Which blade is the longest in a 3 pin plug?
The ground blade is the longest in a three blade plug.
Can I plug my 2 prong Christmas light cord into a 3 prong extension cord?
UK answer only: Yes but you need a three-pin to two-pin adaptor. Alternatively fit a three-pin plug to the light and leave the earth pin disconnected. This can only be done if the lamp already has a two-wire cable fitted to it, anything else is potentially dangerous.
Can you exchange a German two-pin plug for a SA three-pin on a PSU Powercord?
Yes, you can purchase an adapter to convert the German two-pin plug to a South African three-pin plug. Alternatively, you could also replace the entire plug on the power cord with a South African three-pin plug if you have the necessary skills and tools. Just ensure that the power specifications on the PSU and power cord match to avoid any damage.
Why does three pin plug is more safe than two pin plug?
The three pin plug is grounded (provided the receptacle is wired correctly).
When you use a three pin plug what is the third biggest pin for?
Would that be the smallest pin. To answer this question the specifications of the plug will be needed.
Why you use three pin plug insted of two pin?
In an electrical socket, there are three holes. One is a hot wire, one is a neutral wire, and one is a ground wire. Usually, the hot wire is black. The neutral wire is white. And the ground wire is green. Motors usually have three pin plugs. Other items also have them. When a motor has a three pin plug, the body of the motor is attached to the ground. If a spark goes from the electrical wires to the body of the motor, it will go harmlessly to the ground and not hurt anyone. On a two pin plug, usually one pin is larger than the other. The larger pin goes to the neutral or white wire. It is also grounded. That way if there is an electrical short in the device, it should not electrocute the person using it.
Is it okay to use an adapter to change a three pin plug into a two pin plug?
No, it is not ok, it is potentially very dangerous because the two-wire cable has no earth with it. The earth wire is an important safety component that comes with a three-pin plug. An exception can be made for certain low-power appliances that have double insulation. This includes TV sets, radios, and table lights provided the mounting is plastic and not metal. These appliances are commonly sold with a twin-wire cable but often with a three-pin plug on the end of it. The three-pin plug in this case often has a plastic 'earth' pin and it is safe to replace it with a two-pin plug.
What pin on the plug to the AC outlet is the ground pin and what is its purpose?
The ground pin or earth pin is the uppermost pin on your plug. It's purpose is to provide a safety barrier between you and the supply in the event of an overload or in case of an accident.
At what voltage does a three pin plug operate?
Need more info. There are three pin plugs at a wide variety of voltages.
What is the purpose of a wire?
it is the brown wire in a three pin plug
What are the three things called on a plug?
The three things on a plug are the two prongs (for electricity transmission) and the grounding pin (for safety).
Which blade is the longest in a 3 pin plug?
The ground blade is the longest in a three blade plug.
Can I plug my 2 prong Christmas light cord into a 3 prong extension cord?
UK answer only: Yes but you need a three-pin to two-pin adaptor. Alternatively fit a three-pin plug to the light and leave the earth pin disconnected. This can only be done if the lamp already has a two-wire cable fitted to it, anything else is potentially dangerous.
Can you exchange a German two-pin plug for a SA three-pin on a PSU Powercord?
Yes, you can purchase an adapter to convert the German two-pin plug to a South African three-pin plug. Alternatively, you could also replace the entire plug on the power cord with a South African three-pin plug if you have the necessary skills and tools. Just ensure that the power specifications on the PSU and power cord match to avoid any damage.
Why you use neutral pin in three pin plug?
In North America the neutral pin is used to complete the circuit. One pin is "hot", one pin is neutral and the last pin is ground.
