A power tool has a 3-pronged plug but the only available outlets are 2-pronged. What should the technician do?

A power tool has a 3-pronged plug but the only available outlets are 2-pronged. What should the technician do?

• A. Plug it into the 2-prong outlet with an adapter
• B. Replace the plug with a 2-prong plug
• C. Locate a 3-pronged outlet
• D. Ignore the mismatch and proceed

Answer: (C)

Grounding provides a safe path for fault current and helps prevent shock if something in the tool faults. A three-pronged plug means the tool expects a grounded outlet to keep the metal parts at earth potential and to trip the circuit if there’s a short. A two-pronged outlet has no ground, so using an adapter to fit the tool or swapping in a two-prong plug bypasses that safety path and can leave the tool’s housing energized, increasing the risk of electric shock or fire. The proper approach is to locate a properly grounded outlet for the tool or have a grounded outlet installed, ensuring the tool can be used safely.

Grounding provides a safe path for fault current and helps prevent shock if something in the tool faults. A three-pronged plug means the tool expects a grounded outlet to keep the metal parts at earth potential and to trip the circuit if there’s a short. A two-pronged outlet has no ground, so using an adapter to fit the tool or swapping in a two-prong plug bypasses that safety path and can leave the tool’s housing energized, increasing the risk of electric shock or fire. The proper approach is to locate a properly grounded outlet for the tool or have a grounded outlet installed, ensuring the tool can be used safely.