What must electrical tools have to protect from shock?

• A. 3 wire cord with grounding and be used with grounding receptacles
• B. A two-prong plug
• C. Insulated plastic handle
• D. A metal blade

Answer: (A)

Grounding provides a safe path for fault current. A tool with a three-wire cord includes a grounding conductor that ties the tool’s metal parts to earth. If insulation fails and a chassis becomes energized, the fault current travels through the ground wire to the outlet ground, causing the circuit breaker or fuse to trip and quickly disconnect power, which greatly reduces the risk of shock. A two-prong plug lacks this protective path, so a fault can leave a live surface without an easy way to shut off power. An insulated plastic handle helps limit contact with live parts but does not provide a fault path for current, so it’s not as reliable for protecting against shock. A metal blade describes the plug’s construction, not the protective grounding, and by itself doesn’t ensure shock protection. Therefore, using a three-wire cord with grounding and plugging into grounded receptacles offers the essential protection.