answersLogoWhite

0

US NEC: A four pin plug has four conductors - two hot, one neutral, and one ground. It is used in 240V appliances that require a 120V path to neutral, where the electrical code also requires a separate protective earth ground be maintained. Normally, code allows a dryer or range to be connected to a three pin plug where neutral and ground are tied together at the appliance. This is an exception to the normal rule, and is allowed due to the design and "safety experience" of these type of appliances. However, the code requires a four conductor circuit in the case of a mobile home. In this case, ground and neutral must not be tied together at the appliance - they must be run seperately all the way back to the distribution panel. Even if this is not a mobile home, local code may override national code, so you do need to check. <><><> As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed. Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Is it okay to use an adapter to change a three pin plug into a two pin plug?

No, it is not ok, it is potentially very dangerous because the two-wire cable has no earth with it. The earth wire is an important safety component that comes with a three-pin plug. An exception can be made for certain low-power appliances that have double insulation. This includes TV sets, radios, and table lights provided the mounting is plastic and not metal. These appliances are commonly sold with a twin-wire cable but often with a three-pin plug on the end of it. The three-pin plug in this case often has a plastic 'earth' pin and it is safe to replace it with a two-pin plug.


Why you use neutral pin in three pin plug?

In North America the neutral pin is used to complete the circuit. One pin is "hot", one pin is neutral and the last pin is ground.


Can you cut off the 2 pin plug on your electric fan and replace it with a 3 pin?

Yes, you can.


How do you clean a 3 pin plug?

To clean a 3-pin plug, first unplug it from the socket. Use a dry cloth or a small brush to remove dirt and dust from the pins. Avoid using water or liquid cleaners, as this can cause damage to the plug.


Is the hot wire on left or right of 3 pin plug?

In a standard three-pin plug, the hot wire (live wire) is typically connected to the right pin when looking at the plug with the pins facing away from you. The left pin is usually the neutral wire, while the top pin is the earth (ground) wire. However, it's important to check local wiring standards, as they can vary by country.

Related Questions

How do you convert a 4 pins mini xlr female plug to a 3pins mini xlr female plug?

Normally it is so that you connect pins 123 normally, and connect pin 4 to pin 3 or leave it disconnected.


Why does three pin plug is more safe than two pin plug?

The three pin plug is grounded (provided the receptacle is wired correctly).


When you use a three pin plug what is the third biggest pin for?

Would that be the smallest pin. To answer this question the specifications of the plug will be needed.


Where on the radio wiring harness of a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta are the ground battery and ignition wires located?

orange is ground, power is red/white Ground is Plug 3, Pin 8 Keyed Power is Plug 3 Pin 4 Battery Power is Plug 3 pin 7


What trailer wiring plug do you need to fit your 2004 Envoy?

You need a 7 pin circular to 4 pin flat adapter. www.trailvoy.com


What type of plug do you need for a trailer hitch on a Mercury Mountaineer?

The hitch on my 2002 comes with a 4 pin flat plug. But it really depends on the trailer plug. There are adapters for the 5 pin round plugs but you need a brake controller if your trailer has brakes.


Is the UK 3 pin plug used in Eire?

Both use the same kind of 3 pin plug.


What pin on the plug to the AC outlet is the ground pin and what is its purpose?

The ground pin or earth pin is the uppermost pin on your plug. It's purpose is to provide a safety barrier between you and the supply in the event of an overload or in case of an accident.


Where is diagnostic plug for Chrysler 1995 LHS?

It is a six pin square plug under the dash on the driver side.It is a six pin square plug under the dash on the driver side.


Why does a 3 pin plug have a clamp on it?

A 3 pin plug has a clamp on it to stop the wires from being ripped out of the plug when people use the wire to remove a plug from the wall instead of gripping the plug and removing it the proper way.


Will an automatic transmission from a 1987 mustang 4 cyl fit in a 1992 with 4 cyl?

Yes the transmission will bolt up to the engine but the wiring harness is different. A 87 transmission has a 2 pin plug on it. As the 88 1/2 to 89 and up have a 3 pin plug on them. Hope this helps.


Which wire is not present in a 2 pin plug?

In a 2-pin plug, the wire that is not present is the grounding wire. This type of plug only has two prongs for the live and neutral wires, unlike a 3-pin plug that includes a grounding wire for added safety.