What the heck does that third prong on a Western Hemisphere power plug do (the “ground”) if it isn’t necessary for all electronics?

Question

Hell, I’ve even seen people rip them off to fit 3 prong plugs into 2 prong extension cords. I’m sure it’s not safe, but I dont know why and why they would be necessary sometimes and sometimes not.

In: Engineering

Answer 1

For a practical example: PCs / NUCs that have only 2 prongs and are connected to the power outlet will sometimes give you a static shock when you touch them. Those with 3 prongs do not because they are constantly grounded.