The main difference between two-prong and three-prong electrical outlets is the ability for the three-prong version to provide grounding for certain items. Older homes are likely to have a preponderance of two-prong electrical outlets if little to no upgrading has been done. Those outlets are suitable for many objects, such as lamps and clock radios. Many of today’s electronic items come with three-pin plugs, however. It’s tempting to buy some adapters that allow these items to be plugged into those outlets, but it’s generally not a smart idea. Electricians in Paducah KY should verify that the wiring has been upgraded for grounding. If not, they can do this job and swap out old two-hole outlets for those with three holes.
What’s the big deal about grounding? It prevents electrical shocks that can occur with appliances in metal cases and objects that have power supplies in metal cases. Personal computers are encased in plastic, but the power supply is encased in metal. Using an adapter that allows a three-pin plug into a two-prong outlet thus poses the risk of a serious shock.
The topic of outlets, grounding, and residential wiring is a complex one. People with questions may want to ask Electricians in Paducah KY when they hire these professionals to replace outlets or do other work. For instance, it may seem like a curiosity that a microwave oven has a three-prong plug but a toaster and a typical coffeemaker don’t. In fact, toasters and coffee pots with metal exteriors do have three-pin plugs unless they are rather old. It’s the plastic models that come with two pins.
Grounding isn’t intended to prevent problems such as circuits tripping or fuses blowing because too much electricity is being used in one area. A person can try to run a microwave oven and a space heater off the same circuit, but the breaker assuredly will trip. A three-prong outlet also isn’t intended to prevent serious shocks if an electric device is immersed in water. That’s the function of the ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, commonly installed in bathrooms. A contractor such as Bates Electric Inc can upgrade wiring and outlets to accommodate today’s modern electrical objects.
