i have a charger plug that i can easily plug into a extension cord backwards, without the earth connected. just curious about what it could do if i actually plug it in
In: Technology
The earth/ground pin is a safety feature. Typically any metal parts that are NOT meant to be carrying electricity – eg, the body of the device itself – are connected to the earth.
The idea is that if something goes wrong and internal wiring breaks, perhaps from heat cycling, it might touch metals it’s not meant to. Hopefully it touches an earth connection and this short circuit pops your circuit breakers/fuses somewhere.
Without an earth plug this doesn’t happen, and now the metal body of the device is itself charged. Electrocution risk in that particular situation. Possible internal damage and risk of fire in other situations.
Please do not compromise on safety features. They are there for you. Get a proper extension cord and confirm it’s suitable for the job you intend to use it for.
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