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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
Post removed 
eldarado
381 posts
 
It won't hurt anything.
jwpstayman
406 posts
 
Turbo - the "right" way to do this is to use a 3 pronged wall plug and only connect the hot and neutral wires to the plug. That way you don't have ground connected at the wall, but not at the iec. It will ONLY be a 2 conductor cable that way. Have FUN!
fishboat
245 posts
 
Subaruguru isn't answering emails any longer..at least not mine.

turbo,
Do a search on google for "bob crump asylum" and you'll end up at diyaudio (I think), it'll give you all you need to know about building a pretty reasonable PC. Another option is VH Audio...he has some good recipes and parts to go with them. Yet another option is Jon Risch's recipes, see AA or google him.

I'm currently assembling powercords and an outlet box with power conditioning...shoot me an email if you need suggestions on where to get what parts.
honest1
586 posts
 
Jwpstayman - Why is it beneficial to leave the ground connector detached at both ends? I would think that if the ground is connected at one end, it just goes along for the ride, but doesn't hurt anything. Have you any experience with doing this, or know any theory behind it? I'm wondering because I have Atmasphere amps, which come with 3 conductor power cords, but the ground is not connected inside the amplifier. I haven't played with power cords yet (I dread having to audition yet another whole category of components).

The risk in doing what you suggest is that someone will think the cord is grounded when it is not, which could lead to problems (including safety) if used on a component that needs a grounded connection. For a 2 conductor cord, maybe use a 2 conductor plug, or (if highquality 2prong plugs don't exist), maybe cut the ground pin off the 3 conductor plug to avoid confusion.
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