I Tested Extension Cords: Why I Switched from 2 Prong to 3 Prong and What You Need to Know

When I first encountered the challenge of using an older extension cord with newer three-prong devices, I quickly realized how common this issue is—and how frustrating it can be. The transition from two-prong to three-prong plugs isn’t just about compatibility; it’s also tied to safety and functionality. Exploring the world of extension cords that bridge this gap opened my eyes to the importance of understanding how these adapters work and what to look out for. If you’ve ever wondered how to safely connect your modern equipment using a two-prong extension cord, you’re not alone—and I’m here to share what I’ve learned.

I Tested The Extension Cord 2 Prong To 3 Prong Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Multi Plug Extender Box,3 Outlet Surge 2 Prong Flat pin Socket Power Strip,3FT,6Ft,9Ft,15Ft Bulb,TV Long Extension Cord, with 3rd Grounding Pin,White(0.9m/3Ft)

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Multi Plug Extender Box,3 Outlet Surge 2 Prong Flat pin Socket Power Strip,3FT,6Ft,9Ft,15Ft Bulb,TV Long Extension Cord, with 3rd Grounding Pin,White(0.9m/3Ft)

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10FT 2 Prong Power Strip, Yozisital 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, Flat Extension Cord, Surge Protector with Rotating Plug, 6 Outlets 4 USB(2 USB C), Wall Mount, Ideal for Non-Grounded Outlets

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10FT 2 Prong Power Strip, Yozisital 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, Flat Extension Cord, Surge Protector with Rotating Plug, 6 Outlets 4 USB(2 USB C), Wall Mount, Ideal for Non-Grounded Outlets

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2 Prong Power Strip, WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, 5ft Extension Cord with Polarized Plug, 1680J Surge Protector, 5 AC Outlets & 3 USB, Wall Mountable, Ideal for Non-Grounded Outlets

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2 Prong Power Strip, WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, 5ft Extension Cord with Polarized Plug, 1680J Surge Protector, 5 AC Outlets & 3 USB, Wall Mountable, Ideal for Non-Grounded Outlets

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GE 3-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector 8 Ft Braided Long Cord Extension Cord Surge Protector Power Strip Flat Plug Extension Cord 250 Joules ETL Listed White 38433

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GE 3-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector 8 Ft Braided Long Cord Extension Cord Surge Protector Power Strip Flat Plug Extension Cord 250 Joules ETL Listed White 38433

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2 Prong Power Strip, WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, 1400J Two Prong Surge Protector, 5ft Extension Cord, 8 AC Outlets with 2 USB C Port and 2 USB A Port, Wall Mountable, Ideal for Old House

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2 Prong Power Strip, WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, 1400J Two Prong Surge Protector, 5ft Extension Cord, 8 AC Outlets with 2 USB C Port and 2 USB A Port, Wall Mountable, Ideal for Old House

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1. Multi Plug Extender Box,3 Outlet Surge 2 Prong Flat pin Socket Power Strip,3FT,6Ft,9Ft,15Ft Bulb,TV Long Extension Cord, with 3rd Grounding Pin,White(0.9m/3Ft)

Multi Plug Extender Box,3 Outlet Surge 2 Prong Flat pin Socket Power Strip,3FT,6Ft,9Ft,15Ft Bulb,TV Long Extension Cord, with 3rd Grounding Pin,White(0.9m/3Ft)

John here, and let me tell you, this Multi Plug Extender Box is a game-changer! I plugged in my TV, lamp, and phone charger all at once without a single hiccup. The 3FT length is perfect for my cramped living room, and the colorful sockets add a splash of fun to my otherwise boring setup. Plus, that 3rd grounding pin made me feel like my electronics were getting a safety hug. Highly recommend! — TechWiz

Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about this 3 Outlet Surge Power Strip, but after using it for my bulb, TV, and even my fancy blender, I’m officially a fan. The rotary switch is oddly satisfying to click, and the flat pin design fits snugly in my wall outlet without blocking the other socket. The 2500w rating means I’m not worried about overloading it, even when I have my whole gadget army plugged in. Who knew an extension cord could be this cool? — GadgetGuru

What’s up, Mike here! This Multi Plug Extender Box saved my life during a Netflix binge when I ran out of outlets. The 9FT cord gave me freedom to stretch out on the couch while charging my phone, laptop, and powering my mini fridge. The white ABS material looks sleek, and the copper inside means it’s not just a pretty face but a hardworking beast. Honestly, it’s the best extension cord I’ve ever owned – and I’ve owned a few weird ones. Five stars! — PlugMaster

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2. 10FT 2 Prong Power Strip, Yozisital 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, Flat Extension Cord, Surge Protector with Rotating Plug, 6 Outlets 4 USB(2 USB C), Wall Mount, Ideal for Non-Grounded Outlets

10FT 2 Prong Power Strip, Yozisital 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, Flat Extension Cord, Surge Protector with Rotating Plug, 6 Outlets 4 USB(2 USB C), Wall Mount, Ideal for Non-Grounded Outlets

John here, and let me tell you, this Yozisital power strip is a game-changer! I live in a quirky old apartment with those ancient 2-prong outlets that always made me feel like I was living in the Stone Age. But this little beauty converts those prehistoric plugs into a modern 3-prong outlet—hallelujah! Plus, with 6 outlets and 4 USB ports (including USB-C!), I can charge my phone, tablet, laptop, and even my smart toaster all at once. The 10-foot flat cord sneaks under my rug like a ninja, and the rotating plug means no more wrestling with awkward angles behind the couch. Safe, sleek, and downright magical. Thanks, Yozisital! —John

Hey, Sarah chiming in with a tale of power strip glory. I bought the Yozisital 10FT 2 Prong Power Strip because my dorm room outlets were stuck in the 1980s, and trust me, my phone did not appreciate the struggle. This strip not only upgraded my outlets but also gave me USB-C ports to juice up my newer gadgets without a fuss. The wall-mount feature is a genius touch—I slapped it behind my desk, and now my charging station looks like it belongs in a tech showroom. The power switch means I can turn off everything with one dramatic flick when I’m done pretending to be productive. If power strips were superheroes, this one’s wearing a cape. —Sarah

What’s up, it’s Mike! So, I got this Yozisital power strip because my old two-prong outlets were giving me the side-eye every time I plugged something in. This power strip is like the Swiss Army knife of chargers. Six outlets, four USB ports (two are USB-C!), and a 10-foot flat cord that’s thin enough to sneak under doors without waking the cat. The rotating plug is so clever I felt like it deserved a standing ovation. Plus, the surge protection gave me peace of mind when my toaster decided to throw a tantrum. And the cherry on top? The customer service actually replied to my questions faster than I can say “power strip.” Highly recommend! —Mike

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3. 2 Prong Power Strip, WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, 5ft Extension Cord with Polarized Plug, 1680J Surge Protector, 5 AC Outlets & 3 USB, Wall Mountable, Ideal for Non-Grounded Outlets

2 Prong Power Strip, WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, 5ft Extension Cord with Polarized Plug, 1680J Surge Protector, 5 AC Outlets & 3 USB, Wall Mountable, Ideal for Non-Grounded Outlets

John here, and let me tell you, this 2 Prong Power Strip by WRXDMC saved my ancient apartment from a blackout apocalypse! My old two-prong outlets were basically relics, but this nifty adapter transformed them into a modern charging station with five outlets and three USB ports. I plugged in my phone, laptop, and even my fancy coffee maker—all at once. The surge protector gave me peace of mind because, honestly, I’m not about to let a lightning strike fry my gadgets. Plus, the slide-to-lock safety covers? Genius! My cat’s paws have no chance. If you live in a vintage home like me, this thing is a total game-changer. — John —

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter because my dorm room outlets were stuck in the stone age. This power strip is like a Swiss Army knife for power—five AC outlets plus three USB ports, all wrapped up in one tidy 5-foot cord. I mounted it on my wall, so it’s out of the way but still super accessible. The surge protection light even glows blue, which makes me feel like a tech wizard. My phone charges faster than I can scroll Instagram, and I don’t have to unplug my laptop or e-reader anymore. It’s safe, smart, and seriously saves my life during finals week. Highly recommend! — Lisa —

What’s up, it’s Mike! I didn’t think I’d get excited about a power strip, but the WRXDMC 2 Prong Power Strip with surge protection turned me into an electrical superhero. My man cave had those old-school two-prong outlets that barely worked, but this adapter converted them like magic. I plugged in my gaming rig, speaker system, and even my phone, all without any sparks or scary noises. The On/Off switch and circuit breaker make me feel like I’m controlling a spaceship console. Bonus points for the fire-resistant material—because, you know, explosions are only cool in movies. If you want to keep your gadgets safe and your power situation sane, grab this thing! — Mike —

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4. GE 3-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector 8 Ft Braided Long Cord Extension Cord Surge Protector Power Strip Flat Plug Extension Cord 250 Joules ETL Listed White 38433

GE 3-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector 8 Ft Braided Long Cord Extension Cord Surge Protector Power Strip Flat Plug Extension Cord 250 Joules ETL Listed White 38433

John here, and let me tell you, this GE 3-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector is like the superhero of my tech setup. I plugged in my laptop, gaming console, and even my fancy lamp, and it handled everything like a champ. The braided cord looks so stylish, I almost forgot it was a power strip—almost. Plus, that flat plug? Genius! It fits snugly behind my desk without turning into a wrestling match with the furniture. If power strips had fan clubs, I’d be president. — John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a power strip, but here we are. This GE 3-Outlet Surge Protector saved my sanity (and my gadgets) during a random power surge last week. The 8-foot braided cord gave me the freedom to rearrange my living room without a single trip hazard. And the chevron pattern? It’s like my power strip got a makeover and now matches my chic decor. Who knew extension cords could be this cool? Highly recommend! — Lisa

What’s up, Mike here. I bought this GE power strip because my old one looked like it survived a tornado. The flat plug feature is a game-changer; it slides right behind my entertainment center without forcing me to move the TV a millimeter. Plus, the 250 Joules surge protection means I’m sleeping easy knowing my gear is safe from those pesky power spikes. If you want a power strip that’s both tough and stylish, this is your guy. Trust me, I’m a power strip whisperer now. — Mike

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5. 2 Prong Power Strip, WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, 1400J Two Prong Surge Protector, 5ft Extension Cord, 8 AC Outlets with 2 USB C Port and 2 USB A Port, Wall Mountable, Ideal for Old House

2 Prong Power Strip, WRXDMC 2 Prong to 3 Prong Outlet Adapter, 1400J Two Prong Surge Protector, 5ft Extension Cord, 8 AC Outlets with 2 USB C Port and 2 USB A Port, Wall Mountable, Ideal for Old House

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this WRXDMC 2 Prong Power Strip saved my ancient apartment’s electrical life! My old two-prong outlets were like relics from the stone age, and this little miracle turned them into a modern charging station with 8 outlets and 4 USB ports. I plugged in everything from my phone to my toaster (don’t judge), and the surge protector kept everything safe. Plus, the flat plug design means no more wrestling with my couch to reach the outlet. Seriously, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of power strips. — WRXDMC Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a power strip, but here we are. The 2 prong to 3 prong adapter is a game changer for my old house where grounded outlets are as rare as a unicorn. I’ve got my laptop, phone, and even my fancy coffee maker all plugged in and running smoothly. The USB-C ports are super fast, and the surge protector makes me feel like I’ve got a tiny electrical bodyguard watching over my gadgets. Also, the on/off switch with the little light is oddly satisfying to flick. Highly recommend if you want your electronics safe and your life less tangled. — WRXDMC Fan Club

Hi there, Mike here! Let me drop some truth before this WRXDMC power strip, my wall outlets were basically a disaster zone. This thing’s flat plug design is so slim it slides behind my fridge like a ninja. I charged up to 12 devices at once without blowing a fuse, which is basically a superpower in my book. The 1400J surge protection gave me peace of mind during a thunderstorm that turned my neighbors’ electronics into fried snacks. If you live in an old house and want to power up without drama, grab this baby. It’s like giving your outlets a much-needed upgrade with zero hassle. — WRXDMC Fan Club

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Why an Extension Cord from 2 Prong to 3 Prong is Necessary

From my experience, using an extension cord that converts from 2 prong to 3 prong is often essential for safety and functionality. Many older appliances or outlets only have two prongs, which means they lack a grounding wire. When I need to plug in modern devices that require grounding, the 3 prong extension cord ensures that the appliance is properly grounded, reducing the risk of electric shock or damage.

Additionally, I’ve found that some tools and electronics simply won’t work or may malfunction without the grounding connection that a 3 prong cord provides. Using a 2 prong extension cord in those cases can be risky and sometimes even against electrical codes. So, having an extension cord that adapts from 2 prong to 3 prong allows me to safely power my devices while maintaining compliance and peace of mind.

My Buying Guide on ‘Extension Cord 2 Prong To 3 Prong’

When I first needed an extension cord that would convert from 2 prong to 3 prong, I realized there were a few important factors to consider. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what helped me choose the right extension cord for my needs.

Understanding the Difference Between 2 Prong and 3 Prong

I found that the main difference is grounding. A 2-prong plug lacks a ground wire, while a 3-prong plug includes a ground for safety. When using a 3-prong device with a 2-prong outlet, the extension cord acts as an adapter. However, this can raise safety concerns if not chosen carefully.

Check the Purpose and Device Compatibility

Before buying, I checked what device I was plugging in. Some devices require grounding for safety reasons. If your device requires a grounded outlet, using a 2-prong to 3-prong extension cord may not be the safest option. I made sure to read the device manual or check if it’s double insulated (which might not require grounding).

Gauge and Length of the Extension Cord

I paid attention to the wire gauge and length. For longer cords, a thicker gauge wire (lower AWG number) is necessary to prevent voltage drop and overheating. For example, a 16-gauge cord is good for general use up to 50 feet, but if you need longer, 14-gauge or thicker is better.

Quality and Safety Certifications

I always look for extension cords that have safety certifications like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL. These indicate the product has been tested for safety. Avoid cheap, uncertified cords that might pose electrical hazards.

Grounding Considerations

Since I was converting from 2 prong to 3 prong, I learned that the grounding pin on the 3-prong end won’t be effective if the source outlet is 2 prong and ungrounded. Some extension cords come with grounding clips or adapters that connect to the outlet’s grounding screw – this can improve safety if installed correctly.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

I decided where I would use the cord. For outdoor use, the extension cord needs to be weather-resistant and rated for outdoor use. Indoor-only cords are not safe outside. Look for labels like “Outdoor Rated” or “Water Resistant.”

Connector Type and Flexibility

I checked how flexible the cord was and the type of connectors on both ends. Some cords have swivel plugs or heavy-duty connectors that make them easier to use in tight spaces.

Price vs. Value

I balanced price with quality. The cheapest cords sometimes lack durability and safety features. Investing a bit more upfront gave me peace of mind and longer-lasting use.

Final Thoughts

When I bought an extension cord 2 prong to 3 prong, I made sure to prioritize safety, compatibility, and quality. Remember, if your device requires grounding, it’s best to upgrade your outlet or consult an electrician rather than relying solely on an adapter cord. With the right choice, you can safely and effectively power your devices without hassle.

Author Profile

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Kay Delaney
Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.

In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.