>>What is the difference between a thermostat that had a grounded plug and one that doesn't? Is it less shock potential?
The ground of an appliance bonds the motor/load back to earth ground in case of catostrophic failure/short. Many new appliances have the motor/load electrically isolated from the case or has a plastic case, therfore there is no need for a ground. Due to the fact that there is little chance of electric shock in the event of failure.
In 220 single phase appliances the third prong or ground prong is the neutral return. Many 220 circuits don't have a direct equipment ground.
Many thermostats proportional etc. have a polorized plug. These aren't grounded either but the polorization allows for a given orientation of the plug so that the hot leg is always the hot leg. Many newer components require a certain power routing and aren't backwards compatable. Meaning they won't work i fth eplug is flipped over, or if the outlet is wired incorrectly.
Hope that helps.
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile
Specializing in Boa Morph's
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