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

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.

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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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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