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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
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.
turbofc3s OP
16 posts
 
Thanks all ... I've been talking with Takefiveaudio also, they've been helpful and I'm ready to get started making some power cords. They suggested as well to connect the ground at the male end, and just leave it loose at the female end.
rja's avatar
rja
2,112 posts
 
Somewhere I saw a 3 prong male plug with a removeable ground prong. Sorry I can't be more helpfull. Maybe someone else has seen it and post.
jwpstayman
279 posts
 
Honest1- the reason that your amplifiers are "safe" is that the ground goes to the chassis of the amplifiers. Remember, grounds are installed for safety reasons, not for "audiophile" reasons - IF you are not going to ground the power cord at the component end - then you should not have the ground connected at the outlet end. If you are worried about future use of the power cord, snip off the ground pin at the wall plug end. Just my two centavos....
snofun3
599 posts
 
Rja - PS Audio has that kind of cord with the detachable ground prong.

BTW - congrats to all - 8 posts and no one called it a chord!
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