Grounded V.S. Not Grounded.. I need an electrician!

[Lena]

Mmk. So here's my dilemma -

I purchased an Animal Plastics (economy plastic) Rack and a nice (and expensive..) proportional thermostat to control it.

What I was NOT aware of was that the cord for the heat wire is grounded and the proportional thermostat's plug is not.

My question - The heat wire's plug will still fit. Just, obviously, without the grounded part of the plug.. Is this safe to use?

 

[Gregg M]

I have cut a few ground prongs in my day... I have not had any issues personally but the ground prong is there for a reason...

What I suggest is for you to get a plug adapter... You can get these at most home improvement centers like Lowes or Home Depot... They are dirt cheap... Better to be safe and do it right the first time...

 

[Lady_Kiya]

I would have to ask my boyfriend about this. He is taking electrical engineering in college. Lol, he would know more about this.

 

[thestack510]

I've seen adapters for anywhere from $0.60 to $1.50 depending on what store I was at, either way it wouldn't hurt you financially. That is your best bet. I think the adapter is safer than cutting.

 

[Nigel4less]

Adapters are the way to go you can easily get one for under a dollar.

 

[brothaT]

Ground plugs are generally used on devices with metallic casings or large metallic surfaces to prevent electrocution if the "hot" wire accidentally shorts with the metal. If you really want to take advantage of the full safety feature of a ground plug, you will need to get a thermostat with one as well, which you sound hesitant to do If you're choosing between cutting the ground prong or getting an adapter, definitely do the latter. It's not necessarily safer, you're just not destroying anything.

 

[Lady_Kiya]

My boyfriend said at any cost do not cut the grounding plug off, as it can cause fires. Some people do it without problems, some others have learnt the hard way. He strongly suggests looking into getting an adapter. That would be the option that would cost less. If not that, then look into getting a thermostat that is grounded as well.

 

[Retribution Reptiles]

Well i mean you can get adapters and all that like everyone else said. How about just returning the thermostat and get one that's grounded? Would that be a possiblity i would think that would be the safest for yourself as well as the geckos.

 

[Lena]

Thanks for all the input, guys. I actually went and bought an adapter.. And it won't fit! It says 3-prong to 2-prong but the third prong won't go in all the way.

 

[Vyeguy]

as said above DO NOT CUT THE GROUND. sorry i am an Electrical Engineering stuedent and we have stuff like this pounding in our heads all the time.