5 Reasons Cheater Plugs Are Not Worth the Risk

Cheater plugs remove the ground path The ground prong is a safety feature. Without it, you lose protection against electrical shock, especially if the device has a metal case.

Most people install them incorrectly The adapter only works safely if its metal tab is screwed into the outlet cover plate, which connects to a grounded box. Most users skip this step.

Extension cords add more risk Adding an extension cord between the cheater plug and the outlet increases resistance and introduces more points of failure, making the setup even less safe.

They are only a temporary hack Cheater plugs are designed for occasional use in older homes with two-prong outlets. They are not a permanent solution.

Safer alternatives exist Use a GFCI outlet or a GFCI-protected extension cord for ground-fault protection without a physical ground wire. Otherwise, call an electrician to replace the outlet.