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I know it will still provide power and such but what are the potential safety hazards?

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    It would be a good idea to block the ground plug slot on the female end. Tape it off so you or someone else doesn't plug a grounded device into an ungrounded cord.
    – ench
    Jan 8, 2016 at 6:16

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Actually, it's not that dangerous at all. If you're going to use an ungrounded extension cord (which is not recommended), plugging it into a GFCI receptacle mitigates much of the risk.

Having a grounding conductor in place, may prevent a fault condition from energizing grounded portions of a device (technically it won't prevent it, but it should trip the breaker). A GFCI should prevent you from being electrocuted, if you happen to come into contact with an energized portion of the circuit or device.

The proper thing to do, is to replace the extension cord. However, if you're going to use the cord, plugging it into a GFCI makes it a bit safer (assuming the GFCI is in good working order).

WARNING: A GFCI may not prevent you from being shocked, but it should prevent you from being electrocuted.

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Well for one thing, the ground pin keeps you from plugging it in backwards. You know 2-prong plugs where one prong is taller than the other? The tall one is "neutral" which is close enough to ground that it's very unlikely to shock you. (it isn't ground and shouldn't be shorted to ground). Some homebrew or sloppily made equipment (Chinese LED bulbs come to mind) allow you to touch metal energized at "neutral". No biggie, unless you have managed to reverse the plug and then you have a problem. So if you have 3-prong outlets everywhere you plug this in, I'd put a 3-prong plug on the cord.

Another... factor... is GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor). If any current leaks to ground (e.g. while shocking you), the GFCI will trip. That is so effective that the National Fire Protection Assoc. (who writes the Electrical Code) allows you to install a 3-prong GFCI outlet where there is no ground. So you can put GFCI's in your sites which have 2-prong outlets because they don't have ground.

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  • Also, if it is likely that someone might come along and use the receptacle on the cord, without seeing the missing ground pin on its plug, or without knowing about it, they might unknowingly take for granted that the grounded chassis of their equipment will protect them from faults and it may not. Jan 8, 2016 at 4:05
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Like Ecnerwal said, nip off the head, buy a replacement & put it on. Or, of course, put it in the trash. There's no point in trying to save it & use it for just 2-prong applications. Because, the 1 time you put a 3-prong in the other end is when the impossible will happen.

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  • Thanks all for the comments. I was pretty sure on this but just wanted some feedback as I do question always when it comes to safety. This was for a one time use and the cord is in the garbage as it is time for replacement anyways. Thanks all.
    – user47483
    Jan 8, 2016 at 18:40
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The purpose of grounding is so that when a fault in the appliance happens that connects a live conductor to the case the current will flow through the grounding system and not through your body.

A GFCI goes some way to mitigating the risk from missing grounds, however it cannot stop you from getting an electric shock it can only cut off the shock current after the shock has begun, hopefully before the shock kills you.

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