The plug on my A/C unit was not working, it has a built in surge protector that kept blowing. So like the average man thought I could fix that myself. So I cut off the surge protector/plug. When I went to install my own plug, I didn't understand the wiring. All of the wiring was in a main cord, but when I opened that cord, I found a ground, positive, negative, but also bare wire located next to the positive and the negative. Where do the bare wires go on the plug? Do I need Them? Help. It's getting hot here in AZ!

The bare wire is most likely a 'drain wire' You are probably safe hooking it to the ground. But first take a meter or a test light and check the plug if the bare wire is actually electrically connected. Also, are you sure the plug isn't a GFCI with test and reset buttons on it? You should also consider why it was tripping - Maybe it is safer getting a new unit altogether.

~TOOL_5150