Old Plugs in New Outlets (direct, cost, wiring, house)

[otterhere]

So I'm assuming you would need an adapter plug if you had an older appliance with the equal-sized prongs versus the newer one small/one large prongs and then it would be safe. I'm thinking of trying an old electric percolator I found in a thrift store because nothing beats percolated coffee, but am a bit hesitant to try this.

[HJ99]

I have never noticed needing adapter for older plugs into newer outlets. Only need adapter if trying to plug new plug into old outlet, especially if new plug is three prong. Course if you live in old house usually easier to just replace the outlets. They dont cost very much and easier than always hunting up the adapter.


Only thing you need to watch, old stuff tends to have old frayed or cracked cord and maybe weak area where cord goes into plug. I tend to save cords in good shape off stuff thats went to appliance heaven, just in case I need to replace cord on something older. Older stuff tended to have longer lifespan.


Oh caveat, if replacing cord on anything that heats up, use proper kind cord made for such use, ask at hardware store if unsure.

[otterhere]

So if my newer plugs have the larger and smaller combination (as well at the hole for the third prong), I'm safe just plugging my equal-sized plug into that? Can't afford to blow anything out or, obviously, electrocute myself.

[Malloric]

Originally Posted by otterhere

So if my newer plugs have the larger and smaller combination (as well at the hole for the third prong), I'm safe just plugging my equal-sized plug into that? Can't afford to blow anything out or, obviously, electrocute myself.

It's polarization, basically it requires you to plug the "hot" side of the appliance into the "hot" side of the house wiring. As long as the appliance is in good condition, no problem. Those older non-polarized appliances don't care which side is plugged into the hot side or the neutral side. It's as safe as plugging in a non-polarized appliance into a non-polarized plug. As long as the appliance doesn't have any shorts, it's fine. If it does... well, hopefully you're not grounded to something and get turned into part of the household wiring.

Your options are to rewire the appliance (the entire thing, not just replace the plug), throw out the appliance, or live on the dangerous side. Nothing inherently safer about the plug. You've always got a hot side and a neutral side in your house. The plug is just a convenience feature. If the blades were equal length and you could plug it in either way, you'd have a 50/50 chance of plugging it in the wrong way and then you'd have to unplug it and plug it in the other way for a newer appliance to work. That would be annoying. The safety is in the appliance itself, not the plug. The newer appliances form a closed circuit which is safer than the open circuit the older appliances made.

[turf3]

You can plug it in any way you want.


Appliances will work perfectly fine plugged in either direction, as long as the prongs will fit. That's how alternating current works.


If your appliance was made after about 1970 and it has its original plug and the prongs are of equal width, that means it's "double insulated" and whichever way you plug it in, it's equally safe.

[turf3]

Originally Posted by otterhere

So if my newer plugs have the larger and smaller combination (as well at the hole for the third prong), I'm safe just plugging my equal-sized plug into that? Can't afford to blow anything out or, obviously, electrocute myself.

Perfectly safe.

[timfountain]

It's all good. It's not polarized because it doesn't need to be.

[otterhere]

Thanks, all!