Stupid question about power cables ...


I feel like an idiot for asking this, but I don't know the answer ... maybe I'm not as smart as I think I am :-)

Anyway, I'm planning on making power cords for a few different components. Some components only have two prongs, other have 3. Question is, can I make a 3 prong cable and use it for the 2 prong components? I assume if I did, that the 3rd prong just woudn't plug into the component on the female end and all would be fine.

I'd rather just make all cables with 3 prong male and female connectors for simplicity, if it won't hurt anything.
turbofc3s

Showing 1 response by honest1

Jwpstayman - Why is it beneficial to leave the ground connector detached at both ends? I would think that if the ground is connected at one end, it just goes along for the ride, but doesn't hurt anything. Have you any experience with doing this, or know any theory behind it? I'm wondering because I have Atmasphere amps, which come with 3 conductor power cords, but the ground is not connected inside the amplifier. I haven't played with power cords yet (I dread having to audition yet another whole category of components).

The risk in doing what you suggest is that someone will think the cord is grounded when it is not, which could lead to problems (including safety) if used on a component that needs a grounded connection. For a 2 conductor cord, maybe use a 2 conductor plug, or (if highquality 2prong plugs don't exist), maybe cut the ground pin off the 3 conductor plug to avoid confusion.