Small appliance question

[Happy prose]

I have a few small appliances that were my mothers, so safe to say they are about 40 yrs old. I have her food processor, hand mixer, and maybe more. I noticed the plugs are non-polarized. Are they safe to use? I hate to replace them because they work great. 

[ken a.k.a OMK]

By non-polarized do you mean both prongs are the same width or is one wider then the other.

[Anne_in_VA]

They should be safe.  I have an older hand mixer from the 70’s that still works fine.

[chapeau]

I still have some non-polarized outlets in my kitchen.
As long as you do not submerge them in water, you should be fine.

[Happy prose]

Feb 3, 2019 16:58:17 GMT -5 ken a.k.a OMK said:

By non-polarized do you mean both prongs are the same width or is one wider then the other.

Both prongs the same size.

[toomuchreality]

I also think it's okay to use them.  I'd probably just try to watch closely for any issues (be aware) when I use them.

If you happen to have a small appliance repair shop or electrical repair nearby, they can probably replace the old plugs with new ones, if it would make you feel better. 

I recently purchased a few different things on the internet. They are brand new and both of the prongs are the same size. Now that I think of it, the hair trimmer I bought a year ago in the U.S. also has prongs of the same size.   -I'd use them, and enjoy them. 

[Tiny]

Feb 4, 2019 7:14:58 GMT -5 Happy prose said:

Feb 3, 2019 16:58:17 GMT -5 ken a.k.a OMK said:

By non-polarized do you mean both prongs are the same width or is one wider then the other.

Both prongs the same size.

I'd go ahead and use them. If the plug fits into the outlet you will be fine. I know most kitchen outlets are suppose to GFCI (or whatever those initials are) and may not accept the older plugs. But, I imagine in modern huge kitchens there will be some counters with outlets that are NOT near the sink and so might not have the GFCI outlets - but then I just had a rental property inspected and the City wanted all the outlets in the kitchen to be GFCI - even the one's across the room away from the sink - I guess because maybe you'd use an extension cord with your KitchenAid mixer to get the mixer closer to the sink?  <-- that's sarcasm.  

[ken a.k.a OMK]

GFCI will not protect you in this case. The lack of the third prong (safety ground) won't help either. With 2 prongs the same size you can plug in either way and hot and neutral can be reversed. If there are any metal parts on the outside they may become hot. 

[toomuchreality]

Feb 4, 2019 16:50:36 GMT -5 ken a.k.a OMK said:

GFCI will not protect you in this case. The lack of the third prong (safety ground) won't help either. With 2 prongs the same size you can plug in either way and hot and neutral can be reversed. If there are any metal parts on the outside they may become hot. 

Good info.  Thanks!  

[olderburgher]

If you don't feel safe with those plugs cut them off. Go to the hardware store or Home Depot or wherever and buy new ones.  Then rewire them! Simple and cheap.

[ken a.k.a OMK]

Changing the plug doesn't correct the safety issue of a third safety wire or hot/neutral polarization.