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
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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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.
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.
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....