When the ground prong is separated from the equipment plug, which of the following is the correct action?

When the ground prong is separated from the equipment plug, which of the following is the correct action?

• A. You are restricted from using this equipment.
• B. The equipment will automatically shut down.
• C. Operation can continue after a quick test.
• D. Grounding is not related to safety.

Answer: (A)

Protective grounding provides a low-impedance path for fault current, ensuring any fault to the equipment’s enclosure will trigger the protective device and keep exposed metal parts at earth potential. When the ground prong is separated, there is no reliable earth connection, so a fault could energize the equipment’s metal surfaces and pose a serious shock risk to anyone who touches them. Because the grounding path is missing, the equipment must not be used; isolate or tag out the device and arrange repair or replacement of the cord so grounding is restored before use. Do not rely on automatic shutdown or a quick test to make it safe, and do not assume grounding isn’t related to safety.

Protective grounding provides a low-impedance path for fault current, ensuring any fault to the equipment’s enclosure will trigger the protective device and keep exposed metal parts at earth potential. When the ground prong is separated, there is no reliable earth connection, so a fault could energize the equipment’s metal surfaces and pose a serious shock risk to anyone who touches them. Because the grounding path is missing, the equipment must not be used; isolate or tag out the device and arrange repair or replacement of the cord so grounding is restored before use. Do not rely on automatic shutdown or a quick test to make it safe, and do not assume grounding isn’t related to safety.