Apart from their use in electronics, which we won't comment on, and for certain fluorescent lights (they won't turn on without a good ground connection), they're intended to guard against insulation failures within the device. Generally, the case of the appliance is connected to the ground lead. If there's an insulation failure that shorts the hot lead to the case, the ground lead conducts the electricity away safely (and possibly trips the circuit breaker in the process).

Older homes frequently have two-prong receptacles instead of the more modern three. These receptacles have no safety ground, and the cabling usually has no ground wire. Neither the NEC or CEC permits installing new 2 prong receptacles anymore. There are several different approaches to solving this: 1) If the wiring is done through conduit or BX, and the conduit is continuous back to the panel, you can connect the third prong of a new receptacle to the receptacle box.

Nowadays, many two-prong devices have one prong wider than the other. This is so that the device could rely (not guaranteed!) on one specific wire being neutral, and the other hot. This is particularly advantageous in light fixtures, where the the shell should neutral (safety), or other devices which want to have an approximate ground reference (ie: some radios). This requires that you wire your outlets and plugs the right way around.

One of the first areas of interest for The Standard Rivet Company’s product was the saddle and harness industry. Because saddles were made of thicker leather than harnesses, we started to produce our round head spots with 2 different lengths of prong legs. The standard leg (measures ¼”) and the “saddlery prong”, which measures 5/16”.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) have the ability to sense a leakage of 6 milliamps from a "Hot Circuit" to ground and immediately "Trip" the complete receptacle out of the electrical circuit. If this leakage is allowed to go un-detected, it may cause an electric shock to user which may result in death. OSHA and EPA require this "Shock-Proof" protection on all job-sites where workers are exposed to wet outdoor conditions.

Most refrigerated cabinets are provided with a cord and NEMA 5-15 plug, which connect to a standard 115-volt wall outlet. (Refer to the data plate for information on your specific model.) A direct-dedicated, properly protected supply line of the correct voltage and wire size must be provided from the main supply to your Victory equipment.

Although it is not necessary, I find that crystal works well for hand baths and copper is very grounding for people taking a footbath. I personally prefer a copper tub for that reason, but a plastic tub will work perfectly fine and will get the results that you are looking for.

It is not reasonable to expect someone to rewire their home because they need a new dryer or range [stove]! According to the NEC [National Electrical Code], it is now required to isolate the neutral conductor from the appliance frame or chassis. It used to be allowable to use the neutral as a grounding means by incorporating a link between the neutral and the chassis.

Yes and no, it all depends on the type of wiring within your home. Older wiring did not contain a ground conductor regardless of the box being metal or not. The wiring needs to have the ground in the cable* otherwise if a 3 prong (grounded) receptacle is installed without the ground conductor in the cable you've created a dangerous condition. Electrical appliances that have 3 prong plugs will no longer be safe to use.

Yes. The receptacle replaces any standard 15 Amp receptacle. If the location where you are installing it requires GFCI protection, you must connect it to the "load" side of an existing GFCI receptacle. In this way, the GFCI will provide protection on any devices that are connected to the "load" side. Please consult with an electrician in your local area for guidance on requirements for GFCI protection.

A nasal prong device is inserted into each nostril and seals inside rather than around the outside edge as a nasal pillow device does. Sizing of such devices is best accomplished in person with the actual product.

You can find lots of information on this topic at http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm . Thanks to Bill Kahle for pointing out this link!

Yes, all 240 Volt receptacles deliver full wattage output of the specific generator in question. The 120 Volt receptacles will typically deliver one-half total generator wattage output, on our three wire circuit, but this is complimented by our exclusive "Balanced Load" design.

In most cases, "no". Many local codes require the use of a 20A AC receptacle for 20A circuits. This is to prevent an appliance that draws 20A of current from overtaxing your wire's current handling ability. I am not aware of any audiophile gear that draws anywhere near 20A. Even gear with 20A IEC inlets will often come with a 15A male connector. The reason some audio manufacturers use 20A IEC inlets is due to the larger contact surface area provided by the 20A IEC interface.

No. The main body including the switch or receptacle remains permanently installed. The LED module is removable and contains the coin cell batteries. Once the batteries are changed, simply insert the moduld back into the main body. Rechargeable batteries do not need to be changed unless they fail to fully charge. This may happen after 500 or more power failures or after approximately 6 years.

There are two methods: (1) Mechanical: Drill through the bottom of the receptacle to the floor and use any type of wedge anchor to secure it. However, this permanently disfigures the floor and leaves one or more holes if you want to move the location of the receptacle at a later date. (2) Use four dabs of Sikaflex around the perimeter of the receptacle, following the directions enclosed with the adhesive, (especially with regards to surface preparation).

Once you get used to walking barefoot, no. It's very much like learning to drive a car. At first, you're very nervous about driving in traffic and worrying about getting into an accident. You keenly watch everything and proceed with extreme caution. You grip the steering wheel tightly with both hands. But, over time, you relax and realize driving isn't such a big deal.

They are used as reference points from the ocean. The CRAB lines them up to make sure that the spot measurements are taken from is consistent. In 1987 the CRAB tipped over in a trough on the south side of the pier. A Corps debris boat the "Snell" was used to pull it out and it was up and running in two days.

Smokers should remember that cigarette butts are litter, and they must be disposed of in an appropriate receptacle.

well as matching your ground tackle to the size of your boat, you need to match it to your windlass (or lack of windlass), the strength of your back, the exposure and depth and bottom conditions of the anchorages you may frequent and your anchoring technique. Unless you know you will always anchor in shallow well-protected waters with good holding ground, you'll need serious ground tackle. Though I've anchored in waters as deep as 65 feet, that's extremely rare.