Difference Between 2 Prong And 3 Prong Extension Cord

Choosing the right extension cord for your electrical and electronic devices can be a painstaking process. Among the top considerations include cord length, thickness, and whether it’s a two-prong or three-prong extension cord.

It’s reasonably easy to determine the right cord length and thickness. The challenge is usually deciding whether to opt for a 2-prong or 3-prong outlet.

Fortunately for you, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide into two-prong and three-prong extension cables. The article shall mainly focus on the difference between these outlet options and why you should consider an upgrade if your electrical system still supports 2-prong cords.

The Differences Between Two-prong and Three-prong Extension Cords

The primary difference between a two-prong and a three-prong extension cord is that the latter comes with a ground wire, whereas the former doesn’t. You’re probably now wondering what a ground wire is.

A ground wire, sometimes known as earth, refers to a wire that offers an extra path through which the electrical circuit can flow freely into the earth. The primary purpose of the ground wire is to reduce the danger that would be caused to persons, animals, or nearby electrical appliances in the event of a short circuit.

The absence of a ground wire means that your body could quickly complete the electrical circuit by acting as the pathway between an electrical source and the ground. Depending on how strong the current is, you could suffer electrical shock or electrocution when that happens.

Interestingly, the ground wire is not a mandatory requirement for the operation of an electrical device. That's precisely why 2-prong electrical cords are somewhat effective and still widely used worldwide.

But while the cords connecting your refrigerator, microwave, or home theater system may not require a ground wire to function, this feature is crucial when it comes to your safety as well as that of your appliances. That explains why experts generally advise property owners to invest in a robust 3 prong extension cord. Since three-prong extension cords have ground wires, these cords are less likely to suffer the damages caused by surges in electrical current.

How the Ground Wire Functions in a Three-Prong Extension Cord

It’s worth noting that every outlet has a hot and neutral wire. The purpose of the hot wire is to deliver electricity to the outlet, whereas the neutral wire transmits the electricity back to the main electrical panel.

These two wires are designed to handle a specific voltage, usually 120 volts. However, surges in electrical currents are not uncommon.

If the currents flowing through an outlet exceed the standard voltage that the hot and neutral wires are designed for, electrical shocks could occur. Depending on the strength and intensity of these currents, the shocks could heat your appliances and cause unforeseen damage. Worse yet, the shocks could trigger a fire or cause electrocution.

These are pretty much the risks you and your electrical appliances run when you continually use a two-prong extension cord. Therefore, you’d be safer with a three-prong outlet.

As three-prong extension wires include a ground wire, any surges in electrical current are safely transmitted into the earth. That lowers the incidences of electrocution and undue damage to your appliances.

Should You Upgrade To a Three-Prong Extension Cord?

One of the frequently asked home renovation questions is, should I upgrade from a two-prong to a three-prong outlet? The answer is a resounding yes.

As we’ve already pointed out, the fact that a two-prong extension cord is ungrounded means that it lacks an extra layer of protection in the event of surges in electrical current. The absence of that extra protection exposes you and your property to several risks. Common ones include;

• Heating up of your electrical appliances, which could cause irreparable damages
• Electrical explosions in the outlets as well as in your electrical appliances
• Electrical shock
• Electrical fires
• Electrocution

Fortunately, there are various ways to limit the above risks.

One method is by replacing all your two-prong cords with three-prong ones. Experts consider this the safest option as it seamlessly introduces a ground wire to your electrical system. Just ensure that the ground wire runs from the main electrical panel to the various electrical outlets in your property. It’s also recommended that you replace each two-prong outlet separately.

Another upgrade option is installing a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). A GFCI is great where you cannot afford a three-prong extension outlet upgrade or are just hesitant about phasing out your two-prong extension cords for three-prong ones. The device's purpose is to monitor the amount of electrical current flowing through the outlet and interrupt the power supply in voltage surges. However, note that this method isn’t risk-free. That’s because the electrical circuit will remain ungrounded.

Is a Three-Prong Extension Cord Entirely Safe?

A 3-prong extension cord is safe to the extent that it prevents electrical damage caused by current surges. However, these extension cords are not entirely secure.

Note that electricity is very unpredictable. Even the best-cushioned homes can still suffer unforeseen electrical damage.

Summary

The main difference between a two-prong and a three-prong electrical cord is that a three-prong includes a ground wire, whereas a two-prong does not. The ground wire in three-prong electrical outlets is a safety feature that channels extra surges in electrical current into the earth. So, if you’ve always been using two-prong electrical cords, now is the time to upgrade.