Nonpolarized/ungrounded adapter/s

g.  Nonpolarized/ungrounded adapter/s:
There is increasing concern about the polarization to appliances in a home. Computers, microwaves, and some color TV’s demand it.  Many ungrounded (2-slot) receptacles have one slot larger than the other (Fig. g1, Item A).  This is intended to provide power to the shorter slot and a neutral return to the longer slot.  However, many plugs and plug adapters have equally sized prongs (Fig. g1, Item B).  When plug adapters are used, often the ground is broken or not connected properly (Fig. g1, Item C). 

Fig. g1

Naturally, keeping the poles correct requires everything in the series to be lined up properly.  This is why newer receptacles have different size slots, and new plugs have different size prongs.  Adapters should have different size prongs as well.

What to:   How to:
Upgrade your plug adapter to the polarized type and do not break off the grounding attachment or wire.  This requires that the round probe or the wire be attached to the adapter.  When you use an adapter, connect the ground (Fig. g1, Item D) wire to the metal screw in the center of the cover plate.