GROUNDED OUTLET

A grounded outlet has three holes for each plug. It is essential to the safe and reliable operation of certain electrical equipment. In a properly wired outlet, the rounded slot is the ground connection. Electrical grounding ensures that if there is ever a short circuit on a piece of electrical equipment, current will flow through the ground system and trip a breaker or blow a fuse. A grounded outlet must be used correctly to provide good protection:

  • Never cut off the third grounding prong on an appliance plug.
  • Don't try to install a grounded outlet in an ungrounded receptacle. Use "cheater" adapter plugs only on a temporary basis.
  • When using these devices, make sure the small metal circle on the bottom contacts the screw in the middle of the outlet.

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