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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 jea48

jea48
2,944 posts
 
I agree with Tvad, Connect the ground wire to the male plug as well the IEC female connector. In the case of the two wire cord application the ground wire may help bleed off EMI noise.

And from a safety aspect, because you are using a three wire plug and a three wire IEC connector the cord should also be a three wire.

Make sure the polarity on the IEC connector matches that of the male plug. Very important.....Check continuity of the plug and connector after building the pc.
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