Because the three contact outlets are backward compatible. Also due to
dual insulation construction many appliances don't need a ground for safety,
but some do.

--
Joseph E. Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math


"RJ" wrote in message
...
It's odd that we've mandated 3-hole receptacles,
but not 3-plug appliances.

Your refrigerator, washer, and perhaps the microwave
may be the only "grounded" appliances in your house.

When we get to GFI circuit-breakers in the distribution panels,
we can go back to two-hole outlets. ( it's just a matter of time )




On Wed, 06 Aug 2003 09:52:02 GMT, "Joseph Meehan"
wrote:

A neutral carries current, a ground does not. Many grounded devices
attach the outside of the case to the ground. Touch the devices case and
a
good ground means you are in the grounding path and if there happens to
be a
fault or a little resistance in the neutral circuit, you become part of
the
circuit. Not good.

rj