How to Use a Cheater Adapter Correctly and Safely

Inside the older homes, there are still the two prong outlets are found. Many modern appliances and electronics come with a three-prong plug for safety This is where a cheater adapter comes in. This is a small device that allows for a three-prong cord to fit in a two-prong outlet. Using it properly and safely is not as simple and straightforward as it sounds.

 

What is a Cheater Adapter

A cheater adapter is basically a simple plug adapter. On one side of the adapter, there is a three-prong socket, while the other side consists of two prongs that are compatible with the older socket. The third prong of a plug is for grounding in order to avoid electrocution or damage. Older outlets lack a hole for grounding, but thanks to the adapter, you can still plug in your devices.

 

Adapting sockets means there is no need for new wiring which is expensive and more time consuming. While cheater adapters can be convenient, they should always be used with caution as skipping the grounding can increase risk sometimes.

 

Why Safety Matters

There is a reason why modern plugs have a grounding prong.  It is made to remove excess electricity if there is a short circuit or other issue. Without proper grounding, electrical shocks and damage to electronics are far more likely. All in all, if you are going to use a cheater adapter, it is crucial to be able to use one safely.

 

Some adapters have a metal tab or wire meant to connect to a screw on the outlet’s cover. They are intended for grounding by connecting to the metal box behind the outlet. Not all old wiring systems have the right ground, so that tab does not always make things safer.

 

How to Use It the Right Way

If you are going to use a cheater adapter, make sure the outlet you plug into is actually grounded. You can only test this accurately using a good electrical tester. You can buy small testers from any hardware store that show if an outlet has grounding or not.

 

If the outlet is grounded, you can connect the metal tab of the adapter underneath the screw of the outlet cover plate.  This connects the grounding path and makes the setup safer. When the outlet isn’t grounded, the adapter is essentially rendering the grounding ungrounded so to speak.

 

It’s also a good idea not to overload the outlet. Use it only for devices that don’t draw much power. Avoid using the adapter for heavy devices like refrigerators, air conditioners etc.

 

Better Long-Term Solutions

Although a cheater adapter can be helpful for a while, it’s definitely not the perfect solution. Eventually, the best way is to replace the two-prong outlets with three-prong grounded outlets. This ensures safety for both people and electronics.

 

For a small and low power device the adapter may work fine for a while. But for any sensitive electronics or anything that uses more power, it is always better to have proper grounding.

 

Final Thoughts

Cheater adapters are very useful tools when handling the wiring utilized in older homes. It allows for the use of contemporary plug types with older two-prong outlets, saving time and money. But it’s not without risks if used carelessly. Prioritize checking for grounding, avoiding overloading, and treating your power supply like a temporary fix; not a permanent solution.

 

Safety should always be the priority. In the short term, using adapters will help. However, the most effective way to keep your home and devices safe is by upgrading your outlets.