Can a window a/c with a 3 prong grounding plug safely be plugged into a 2 prong outlet through an adapter?

Question

The room we want to put the a/c in has only two prong outlets and the a/c instructions are telling us it must be plugged into a 3 prong receptacle, so we're trying to figure out how to safely use the a/c in that room.

Answer 1

You can cut that prong off or buy an adapter. That third prong is just a ground and you do not really need it. You should be able to find the adapter at Home depot or Lowes.

Answer 2

it has a ground for a reason. you will take a real risk if you plug the a/c into the wall and find the hot is now the neutral, then stand on the furnace register and hit the power switch in the a/c...

SHOCKING EXPERIENCE indeed

I guess it all depends, is the life of the person using the a/c worth the cost of an electrician to update the wall outlet.

Answer 3

I believe it can just as long as the adapter is tolerant to the same voltage as the three prong AC plug....