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Power Adaptor-2 vs 3 Prong

Does anyone know why the macbook pro power adaptor has 2 prongs that directly go into it but the extension cord that comes with it has three prongs, an added one for grounding. Why can't the extra cord be 2 prong? It would be so useful because lots of the old outlets in my home only have 2 prong! 😟

User uploaded file

2 prong~ fits directly into power brick and fits in all U.S. outlets


User uploaded file


3 prong~ extra grounding prong....doesn't fit in all outlets; especially older ones!



Someone please explain WHY!!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on May 4, 2012 6:58 PM

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3 replies

May 4, 2012 7:08 PM in response to Mark5545

Hardware stores sell adapter that have two blades for the wall and an extra loop that is supposed to be secured to the receptable assembly by a metal screw (that make the house ground). On the other side it lookes like a 2-blade_prong.


Or upgrade the wiring in your house. There is a reason electical code went from knob-and-tube in the 20s and pull-block 5 amp fuses but now requires even GFCI within 5 ft of water with 12 gauge wire in the walls instead of the 14 gauge that was allowed 10 years ago.

May 4, 2012 7:12 PM in response to Mark5545

Because there are safety and equipment-protection advantages in grounded connections -- and that's also why the electrical codes in modern nations require all new outlets to be properly grounded. To connect the Apple cord to your antiquated and possibly unsafe outlets, use a 99-cent two-prong adapter. You won't be properly grounded, but you'll have an extra 6' of cord to work with.

Power Adaptor-2 vs 3 Prong

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