How to Wire a 3-Pin Plug

The 3-pin plug is the standard way to provide power to a device in North American. A typical plug delivers a maximum of 120 volts at 15 amps. Each pin has a specific task. The bottom/round plug is the ground. This is the safety system that provides a safe path for the electricity to go to the earth if it gets somewhere it shouldn't. The larger flat terminal is the neutral connection which provides a path back to the distribution panel. The smaller flat slot is the "hot" connection which delivers the power to the device.

Things You'll Need

• Male 15-amp grounded connector
• 16/3-gauge stranded copper wire
• Screwdriver
• Wire strippers

Instructions

1. Strip 1/4 of insulation off the end of each of the three wires with wire strippers.

2. Loosen the terminal screws on the male 15-amp grounded connector. Wrap the black wire around the hot (+) terminal and tighten it down with a screwdriver.

3. Wrap the white wire around the terminal for the neutral (-) connection and tighten down the terminal screw with a screw driver.

4. Wrap the green or bare wire around the terminal screw for the ground connection and tighten down with a screwdriver

Tips & Warnings

• Never work around wires which are live. Turn the power off at the source and confirm it is off before beginning work.

• Even a small amount of electricity can stop the human heart. Be extremely careful when working with electricity.

References

• ElectricalOutlet.org: Type B Electrical Outlet
• Sherline: Power Cord Conversion
• Bg Hydro: Grounded (3-wire) Power Cord