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.

How to Get That Broken Prong Out of an Outlet

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

• Do I need to kill the power to get it out?
• And whats the best way to do it?

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
• Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.

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

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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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