Why do some appliances use a three pin plug while others use a two pin plug?

It simply is used to connect the external conductive parts of the device to the earth and, thus, in normal operation is completely unnecessary. This is why you can use a 3-prong to 2-prong plug adapter to bypass having to use the ground line and the device will still work just fine.

Why do some appliances Power plug has only 2 pins?

3 Answers. Many appliances in the USA and elsewhere have two-prong plugs because they are “double insulated.” The third prong is for ground fault protection except where outlets have been designed with protective shutters on the current-carrying slots that are opened by the ground prong.

Can I put a three pin plug on a 2 pin?

If your appliance currently have a 2 pin plug it means it is double insulated, does not have exposed metal. Therefore it is safe to fit a 3 pin plug in place of a 2 pin plug however employ your local electrician to double check and fit the 3 pin plug.

Is 2-pin plug safe?

The main reason two-prong outlets are considered outdated and dangerous is due to their lack of grounding. This is what makes two-prong outlets the least safe of any type of outlet. Two-prong outlets have connections only for hot and neutral wire, hence their name.

What are the 2 pins in a plug?

The 2-pin plug consists of two prongs, one called the ‘hot’ or ‘live’ and the other called the ‘neutral’. When connected with an electric circuit, the current flows from the live to the neutral prongs.

Is it safe to use a 3 prong plug in a 2-prong outlet?

If you plug in a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter and do nothing to connect the ground terminal, then you have lost all grounding protection on the device. If an internal fault develops, exposed parts of the device may become “hot”, and you could be electrocuted. (A GFCI will still trip, though).

Does 3-pin plug have fuse?

The inside of a three-pin plug and a selection of fuses. A fuse consists of a fine wire which protects an electrical appliance from overload. If the current rises too high the fuse melts and breaks the circuit.