Remove/modify ground on 3-prong pump plug?

[_Dude]

So I built an Aquahub DIY controller but I only ordered one of the recommended Maxijet pumps like a dumbass. All my other pumps have 3-prong plugs. The problem is I put the controller together already and the extension cords (running from the timer to the controller relay box and then to the pumps) are 2-prong only.

Can I just cut the 3rd prong off? If not, can I modify the ground so it runs to ground? If not, do they even make 3-prong extension cords that look like the 2-prong extension cords (I need that kind because they have the first and second wires insulated in a way that makes it easy to cut the two apart, unlike outdoor extension cords)?

 

[_Dude]

This is a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104010

Wtf is that thing supposed to do? Looks pretty basic, like something I could DIY without having to wait until tomorrow when the stores open (I'm in a hurry).

 

[FreezerBoy]

Can I just cut the 3rd prong off?

If you're the type that drinks gasoline, jumps blindly into traffic and sets himself on fire, sure.

Ext cords are dirt cheap. Get one suited to the job.

Wtf is that thing supposed to do?

Thats for a wall socket, the hole is for the screw that lies between the sockets and holds the wall plate to the wall.

 

[_Dude]

Ah, okay. So I can't just connect the ground on the plug to the ground on the outlet?

Took me a while to wire up the damn relay box, I don't want to open it back up and redo the job if I don't have to.

 

[FreezerBoy]

I admit I've not seen an Aquahub DIY controller but mixing water and electricity is not to be fucked with. If your appliance has a 3 prong plug, that's a safety feature. Don't defeat it. Rewiring sucks but safety is it's own reward.

 

[_Dude]

This doesn't make sense to me, though. Say I replace the 2 prong extension cord with a 3 prong extension cord and wire it to the box. The only difference will be that the 3 prong extension cord will have an insulated ground line inside, running from the male pump ground to the extension cord female ground to the male extension cord ground.

What is the difference between that and running a separate line between the pump's male ground directly to the female ground on an outlet, as long as it's insulated?

 

[PharmaCan]

This doesn't make sense to me, though. Say I replace the 2 prong extension cord with a 3 prong extension cord and wire it to the box. The only difference will be that the 3 prong extension cord will have an insulated ground line inside, running from the male pump ground to the extension cord female ground to the male extension cord ground.

What is the difference between that and running a separate line between the pump's male ground directly to the female ground on an outlet, as long as it's insulated?

That will work as long as you make sure you make good connections at both ends.

PC

 

[madpenguin]

That would give you a ground but you'd be in violation of 300.3(B) of the NEC. Conductors of the same circuit need to be grouped together to mitigate electric/magnetic fields. Granted the grounding conductor won't see a load under normal circumstances but that doesn't necessarily make it right.

I don't understand why you wouldn't want to use the correct cord. Do you have soup cans and hose clamps wrapped around your cars exhaust too? :wink:

 

[Sleepy]

while engaged in the sort of activity we enjoy, i would strongly suggest using any/all safety precautions at every opportunity.

don't skimp on the safety

don't get complacent with your security.

i hope to not see a thread detailing your surprise that the Fire Chief turned your ass in for growing after saving your house/apt/dwelling from a fire you caused.

if need be, plan out all parts you need, and start over.

 

[_Dude]

I went to the store today and got two 3 prong extension cords. Now how do I figure out which of the three cords bundled is the ground? It looks like it would make sense for the middle one to be the ground but what do I know?

 

[FreezerBoy]

Good call. Ground is green (the round prong). Hot is black (the small flat prong) Com is white (the large flat prong)

 

[_Dude]

So I have to cut it open to find out what's what (see the colors)? I mean, I know which PLUG is the ground, but how do I know which of the three parts of the cord correspond to which of the plugs without risking ruining the cord?

 

[FreezerBoy]

You can't wire it up without cutting off the female head, stripping the insulation off both the cord and the individual wires. Just leave 1/8 inch of wire insulation showing so you know which is white, black or green.

 

[_Dude]

You can't wire it up without cutting off the female head, stripping the insulation off both the cord and the individual wires. Just leave 1/8 inch of wire insulation showing so you know which is white, black or green.

Sorry, I didn't explain, but I CAN'T use it if I cut either end off. The plans call for splicing one and only one of either the hot or com wires into the relay assembly. The instructions say to throw the cord out if other wires are exposed (the plans assume - STUPIDLY - that I'll be using a 2 prong cord only).

 

[FreezerBoy]

Let's try it this way, post some photos.

 

[_Dude]

Photos of what? I'm fucked. Going to have to cut in and hope I don't get the ground.

 

[filo6942]

just cut the male prong off and be done with it.

 

[_Dude]

http://www.aquahub.com/store/media/EbbandFlowControlInstruxCompressed.pdf

There's the instructions. Now we can all read them and then agree I'm fucked.

 

[_Dude]

just cut the male prong off and be done with it.

Oh no, that would be too fucking simple.

 

[PharmaCan]

For crying out loud - Carefully make a slice in the outer insulation of the power cord with a razor knife. You don't have to cut all the way thru the insulation, just most of the way; then tear it open. Isolate the black wire (i.e. unwrap/pull it out of the bundle), then hook it to the relay according to the instructions. Wrap the cut section with electrical tape.

I guess if you can't do those simple steps then you are fucked - but it ain't rocket science.

Good luck!

PC