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How To Extract A Broke Ground Prong from an Outlet


Extracting a Broken Ground Prong From an Outlet – If the ground prong is hallow then insert a small screw driver into the space and twisting it slightly until it is wedged then pull out gently.

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How to Get That Broken Prong Out of an Outlet

[ad#block]Electrical Question: The grounding prong broke off for vacuum when the cord was pulled from across the room (bad deal).

This electrical wiring question came from: Mike, a Handyman from Durango, Delaware.
See more about Home Wiring for Delaware

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your home electrical repair question Mike.
Mike, bummer deal – but stuff happens.  Yes, it’s always a good idea to turn off the circuit before trying to pry the broken prong out of the outlet. I have listed some ideas below.

How to Extract a Broken Ground Prong From an Outlet

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, needle nose pliers and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be replaced.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

  1. First, turn off the power to the outlet circuit.
  2. Use a small needle nose pair of pliers to grab the prong and pull it out.
  3. If the ground prong is hallow then insert a small screw driver into the space and twisting it slightly until it is wedged then pull out gently.
  4. Find a small screw and screw it into the hollow ground prong and the pull it out.
  5. If all else fails then replace the outlet with a new one.

The Following will assist you with electrical outlets:

Electrical Grounding

For more information about Grounding
Electrical Grounding
Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements

This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical


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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “How To Extract A Broke Ground Prong from an Outlet”
  1. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi LBL,
    I understand your concern about loosing the ground prong on the cord. The point is that the cord did have a ground prong and if it has broken off then one should be provided. The ground can only be restored and provided if the cord was replaced or if a new cord cap or plug-in was installed, therefore this should be done.
    As for other info you read on the internet, Be Very Careful! Is the information coming from an Experienced Licensed Electrician with years of documented experience?
    Dave

  2. LazyBoy Lounger says:

    OK so I already grabbed the protruding, broken ground plug with a pair of pliers and yanked it out. Then I plugged the now two-pronged plug into a different outlet. Everything seems fine but some websites warn of imminent electrocution. One idea is to get a two-prong to three-prong converter to go between the broken plug and the outlet, but would it really provide any additional safety? Cutting the power cord and putting on a new plug seems likely to risk more problems than it would solve.