Chicago Electric 8897 manual Grounded Tools Tools with Three Prong Plugs, Extension Cords

Grounded Tools:

Tools with Three Prong Plugs

3-Prong Plug and Outlet

1.Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord and three prong grounding plug. The plug must be connected to a properly grounded outlet.

If the tool should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user, reducing the risk of electric shock. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)

2.The grounding prong in the plug is connected through the green wire inside the cord to the grounding system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must be the only wire connected to the tool’s grounding system and must never be attached to an electrically “live” terminal. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)

3.The tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet, properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should look like those in the preceding illustration.

(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)

Double Insulated Tools: Tools with Two Prong Plugs

2.Double insulated tools may be used in either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the preceding illustration.

(See Outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)

Extension Cords

1.Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord. Double Insulated tools can use either a two or three wire extension cord.

2.As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge extension

cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage. (See Table A on page 6.)

3.The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord. For example, a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current than a 16 gauge cord. (See Table A.)

4.When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, make sure each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required. (See Table A.)

5.If you are using one extension cord for more than one tool, add the nameplate amperes and use the sum to determine the required minimum cord size. (See Table A.)

6.If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make sure it is marked with the suffix “W-A” (“W” in

Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.

7.Make sure the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition. Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified electrician before using it.

8.Protect the extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.

Outlets for 2-Prong Plug

1.Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not require grounding. They have a special double insulation system which satisfies

OSHA requirements and complies with the applicable standards of Underwriters

Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard

Association, and the National Electrical Code.

Table A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS*

(120/240 VOLT)

NAMEPLATE			EXTENSION CORD
AMPERES				LENGTH
(at full load)		25´		50´	75´	100´	150´
0 – 2.0		18		18	18	18	16
2.1	– 3.4	18		18	18	16	14
3.5	– 5.0	18		18	16	14	12
5.1	– 7.0	18		16	14	12	12
7.1 – 12.0		18		14	12	10	-
12.1	– 16.0	14		12	10	-	-
16.1	– 20.0	12		10	-	-	-

*Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at

150% of the rated amperes.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 08897