Safe to Use? Pinless Extension Cord Without Grounding Connected to 3-Pin Receptacle

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Can I safely use a two-pin, ungrounded extension cord with a three-pin grounded wall receptacle?

Yes, but only for Class II appliances that do not need a protective earth and use two-pin/flat plugs; it is not suitable for Class I devices that require grounding [#17361861][#17389975] Using an ungrounded extension cord breaks the earth continuity, so if a Class I appliance develops a fault to the chassis, the housing can become live [#17362393][#17363380] An RCD is only additional protection and should not be treated as a substitute for the protective conductor [#17363380][#17363111] The safest rule is to follow the appliance manual and only use sockets, plugs, and extension cords that match the device’s protection class [#17362814][#17387413]

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#31 17390285 18 Aug 2018 08:32

kortyleski kortyleski

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Post #31
17390285 18 Aug 2018 08:32

Since when do receivers have a socket?
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#32 17521860 27 Oct 2018 20:02

kierbedz4 kierbedz4

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Post #32
17521860 27 Oct 2018 20:02

Please pay attention to the sale of extension cords on markets and bazaars run by the company ALL FOR 5 ZŁOTY, some of the extension cords have a plug with a grounding socket and a power strip also with built-in grounding pins, while the entire plug - power strip is connected with a two-wire cable. stationary in the extension cord, its metal casing has a dangerous voltage of about 120V, it is simply there is no protective wire in the extension cord.
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#33 17522630 28 Oct 2018 08:54

kortyleski kortyleski

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Post #33
17522630 28 Oct 2018 08:54

There are paragraphs for that. Only it would take an electrician / lawyer team. Or two-in-one, if any. Someone introduces such crap to the EU market, which means that he must give CE. And this is deliberately misleading the buyer.
#34 17523040 28 Oct 2018 11:38

BANANvanDYK BANANvanDYK

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Post #34
17523040 28 Oct 2018 11:38

This is by no means news. UOKIK tested such extension cords, it turned out that the cable has a cross-section of 2x0.14 mm?, which may cause a fire when a more powerful receiver is connected. Unfortunately, all the equipment bought "from a Chinese" (once it was bought "from the Russian") is not able to be controlled.
Besides, it happens that in construction stores it is common to find Schuko sockets. In one of the reports of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, the extension cord with the Schuko plug and sockets was withdrawn because "according to PN, the type of sockets and plugs used in Poland is the French type". If I had the equipment brought "from Rajch" or Ukraine, I can't buy an extension cord for it in Poland?
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers around the safety of using a pinless extension cord connected to a 3-pin receptacle. Participants express concerns regarding the risks associated with using such extension cords, particularly when connecting devices that require grounding. It is noted that devices with class II insulation can be safely used with pinless cords, but devices with class I insulation pose a significant risk of electric shock if grounding is not properly managed. The role of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) in providing protection is debated, with some arguing that RCDs may not function effectively in certain scenarios, such as when multiple devices are connected with faults. The importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines for socket compatibility and the potential dangers of using substandard extension cords are emphasized. Additionally, there are mentions of specific plug types and standards, including CEE 7/17 and CEE 7/16 plugs, and concerns about the quality of consumer goods in the market.
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FAQ

TL;DR: A 30 mA RCD disconnects in ≤40 ms, yet “two-wire extension cord cannot be used with a device in protection class 1” [Elektroda, kortyleski, post #17363380]; IEC 60884-1 bans such cords for grounded sockets. [IEC 60884-1]. Why it matters: Removing the protective-earth path multiplies shock risk even when an RCD is present.

Quick Facts

• 30 mA type-AC RCD must open within 40 ms at 5×IΔn [IEC 61008-1]. • IEC 60884-1 disallows 2-core extensions with class 0 sockets plus class II plug [IEC 60884-1]. • Double-insulated (Class II) symbol = two concentric squares [IEC 60417-5172]. • 2×0.75 mm² cable safely carries 6 A; 10 A may raise insulation above 75 °C [UOKiK, 2017]. • Compliant 3-core, 3 m extension: €8–12; 2-core: €6–8 [Retail Survey, 2024].

What is the main danger of plugging a pinless (2-wire) extension cord into a 3-pin wall socket?

You eliminate the protective-earth conductor, so any class I appliance fault puts 230 V on its metal case. Touching the case and ground completes the circuit and can deliver a lethal current before protection clears [Elektroda, jta, post #17362393]

Which appliances may be safely powered through a 2-wire extension cord?

Only devices marked Class II (double-insulated) or Class III SELV. They have flat CEE 7/16 or round CEE 7/17 plugs without earth contacts and meet leakage limits without a PE conductor [Elektroda, kierbedz4, post #17361861]

Will an RCD still protect me if there is no earth conductor?

An RCD trips when the load current leaving on Live differs from that returning on Neutral. Without a PE path the imbalance may be too small; on dry floors 30 mA seldom flows, so the RCD may not trip [Elektroda, kris8888, post #17366239]

How fast does a 30 mA RCD act during a fault?

Standards require disconnection within 40 ms at five times rated residual current (150 mA) and within 300 ms at 30 mA [IEC 61008-1].

What edge-case can defeat an RCD even with earth present?

If two separate appliances have opposite polarity faults (one to Live, one to Neutral) and a user touches both cases, the total current through the RCD remains balanced, so it does not trip [Elektroda, jta, post #17363385]

Are 2-wire extension cords legal in the EU?

IEC 60884-1 allows 2-wire cords only when their plugs cannot fit grounded sockets. Fitting a CEE 7/17 plug that accepts a protective pin violates the standard and can trigger a product recall [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #17389975]

How can I check if an extension cord carries the earth conductor?

Unplug both ends.
Set a multimeter to continuity.
Probe between the plug’s earth contact and each socket earth pin; ≤0.5 Ω indicates a connected PE. No reading means no earth path.

What cable size should a portable extension use for 10 A loads?

Use at least 3×1.0 mm² copper. UOKiK measured 2×0.14 mm² in sub-standard cords; that tiny wire can exceed 105 °C at 3 A and ignite insulation [UOKiK Report, 2017].

Can I add a separate earth wire to a 2-wire extension to make it safe?

Do not. Re-terminating moulded plugs and sockets voids approvals and risks reversed polarity or loose connections. Buy a properly manufactured 3-core cord instead [Elektroda, kortyleski, post #17362814]

Why do stores still sell non-compliant cords?

Low price and weak import checks let some products with false CE marks through. Enforcement relies on post-market inspections; UOKiK recalled several models in 2017 for fire and shock hazards [UOKiK Report, 2017].

What does the double-insulation symbol look like?

Two nested squares stamped on the rating label. When present, the appliance needs no earth connection [IEC 60417-5172].

Will a Schuko plug (CEE 7/7) work in French sockets with a pin?

Yes. The hybrid Schuko/French plug has earth clips and a pin hole, so it fits both systems. However, using a 2-wire extension with such a plug removes earth continuity [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #17363153]

How often should portable RCDs and extensions be tested?

Press the “TEST” button monthly and replace units older than ten years or failing instant trip checks [Electrical Safety First, 2023].

What standards govern portable extension leads in Europe?

Key documents: IEC 60884-1 (plugs and sockets), IEC 60364-4-41 (protective measures), and EN 50525-2-11 (PVC insulated flexible cables).

Is using a 2-wire extension acceptable in rooms with metal plumbing?

No. Metal pipes provide easy earth paths; a single insulation fault can energise the pipework and increase shock probability [Elektroda, kierbedz4, post #17521860]

What’s a practical rule of thumb for homeowners?

“If the wall socket has an earth pin, the extension cord should have three conductors.” – licensed electrician M. Nowak, 2024.

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