trying to install garbage disposal and need it powered.I wanted to use this computer cable because the one that was with disposal got damaged.I would like to know how to determine which of the three (brown, blue, yellow) wires is ground. And for other two does it matter which way they are connected?Thanks in advance.
Normal color code would be Brown - HOT, Blue - NEUTRAL, and Green/Yellow stripe - GROUND. I would be most comfortable using an ohmmeter to test continuity. If you have one, or have a friend with one, the Brown wire should go to the blade in the bottom of your photo, the blue to the blade at the top (the one that goes into the Wide slot in the receptacle) and the yellow to the round pin. But, if they don't go to those pins, just make a note of which pins they do go to and wire your disposer accordingly. In the absence of an ohmmeter or a friend, you might take the cable to a Radio Shack store or an automotive stereo installation shop. RS sells ohmmeters and may have a display unit you can use. The auto stereo shop will have one and know how to use it. As for whether it makes a difference how the hot and neutral wires are connected, the answer is that it absolutely does make a difference. Reversing them introduces a risk of electrical shock at worst, or at the least popping the GFCI breaker if there is one on that circuit. If there isn't one, you might want to consider installing one. It's cheap insurance. Good luck.
STEP AWAY from the appliance. A computer draws a lot less than that motor you propose to connect. Don't be cheap. Get the proper size cord. What you show from the computer looks like #20. You want a 3 W. #16, cord.
