How do you wire a lamp with 3 wires to a standard 2 wire plug?

Question

Its a pool table lamp with 3 bulbs. The wire that came with it has a ground wire but I cant find any plugs with a ground wire.

Answer 1

buy another lamp, or upgrade your will and fire insurance

Answer 2

You could always cut the ground off, at your own risk of course.

Answer 3

All plugs should have an earth pin unless theyre for double insulated appliances. As you lights have an earth wire, it is ESSENTIAL that you only put a 3 pin plug on.

It is essential that the earth wire be used for safety reasons. No if and no buts.

Answer 4

u can get the plug at lowes.....

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 5

Use the White wire (power) and black wire (return). It does not matter which is attached to which plug contact. The green wire (earth ground) should be cut off if not being used.

It is much better (safer) to wire the lamp with a three prong plug and use the adapter mentioned by others here if you are using it with a two prong outlet. You may move it at some point and be able to use the plug without the missing earth ground by simply removing the adapter.

The best solution is to quit playing with electricity when you do not know what you are doing and get somebody who does to do it for you.

Answer 6

There is a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter at any DIY store. On the 2 prong side, there is a ground bare metal tab. Simply solder a wire from the tab to the inside metal of your outlet.