For most of my life I’ve carefully pulled plugs out by grasping the plug directly. Possibly because I’m an engineer (retired, BSEE), and that’s the “proper” way to do it. But nowadays I opt for an easier method – I grasp the cord, put a little slack in it, and pop the damned plug right out. With integral plugs/cords I’ve never seen any damage, and if there was, no problem – I’d just buy a replacement. The one exception is the Apple Lightning plug – it’s such a sweet plug that I reward it with some respect.

I guess you don't have arc fault breakers.

Nope. I'll always grab the plug itself.

Back when I was a kid I was "counseled" that pulling the plug was the proper way, pulling the cord risked electrocution. I suspect that this may have been due to the fact that many plugs of that era had the wires "secured" with screw terminals that would easily give up what they were securing leaving naked charged copper dancing around in the air. Not to mention another repair job for dad even if you don't manage to zap yourself.

These days, with better connecting technologies, I wouldn't worry about it, but I still pull by the plug if I can reach it.

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Originally posted by architect:
Back when I was a kid I was "counseled" that pulling the plug was the proper way,

I also received that counseling.

You could damage the outlet.

Well, there is a “right” way and a “wrong” way for many things in life. In most cases I strive to do the “right” way, and when it comes to unplugging cords that is by the plug.

Don’t see the point of “just buy another one” when it really doesn’t take any more time/effort to grab by the plug and then I don’t have to spend the money.

Lots of folks seem to believe that Apple cords are crap and fall apart, especially at their price point. My guess, even though won’t most admit to it, is that they follow your method. I have never had an Apple cord fray, fail, or fall apart.

Only cords I seem to have to replace are ones the anim,als have chewed on or the wife has used who happens to be a yanker as well if I am not looking.

Depends if I'm in a hurry or not these days. I yanked/pulled/jerked/dragged extension cords for years when I was a drywaller. I learned to pull it tight then quick snap with just enough force to pop the plug out. Too much force and 9 out of 10 times that cord end will catch you in the balls or the eye

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Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:The one exception is the Apple Lightning plug – it’s such a sweet plug that I reward it with some respect.

If there's one genius thing that Apple did, it's that.

You sir are 100% doing it wrong. Every dad on the planet will tell you that.

Generally no. However when I do it's because I can't reach the plug and I only do it tugging the cord when I'm in line with the outlet with the force of each tug increasing gradually until it's unplugged. If it's plugged into a three way plug or a surge protector I'll never tug the cord to unplug it.

Nope, and I don't slam the slide on my 1911 on an empty chamber either.

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Too much force and 9 out of 10 times that cord end will catch you in the balls or the eye

That would be your self-limiting reward.

quote:

Originally posted by architect:
Back when I was a kid I was "counseled" that pulling the plug was the proper way, pulling the cord risked electrocution. I suspect that this may have been due to the fact that many plugs of that era had the wires "secured" with screw terminals that would easily give up what they were securing leaving naked charged copper dancing around in the air. Not to mention another repair job for dad even if you don't manage to zap yourself.

Mkay, unless I'm missing something, like maybe opposing ends of a string of extension cords, those wires aren't live, now as to the carnage inside the plug you left behind, well...

Just grab the damn plug.

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Too much force and 9 out of 10 times that cord end will catch you in the balls or the eye

If you do it fast enough, you can get zapped by the power which is briefly stored in the power cord, and it will be like getting tazed.

(if you pull it super fast that is)

Oh Electrical cords. No I've seen too many bad, frayed or stripped ones to do that. Outlets aren't always up to snuff either.

There's no guarantee the power strip is secured. Pulling the cord might end up clearing the desk.

My dad would turn over in his grave if I pulled an electrical cord by the wire and not the plug.

Well here in Canada, lots of drivers do it that way. Pull away from the outlet with the block heater still plugged in, and drag the electrical cord down the road for as long as it takes to destroy it. My experience has been that dragging the cord causes more damage than pulling it out.

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Well here in Canada, lots of drivers do it that way. Pull away from the outlet with the block heater still plugged in, and drag the electrical cord down the road for as long as it takes to destroy it. My experience has been that dragging the cord causes more damage than pulling it out.

Calgary Shooting Centre

Well it is cold up there. Saw you had snow yesterday.
I was taught not to abuse tools, appliances and was instructed to take care of my toys because if it broke they were not buying a new one. I do not have a disposable income and try to take care of things.

My wife pulls by the cord. We have many damaged cords to show for it.