 Is It Safe To Run A Computer Off A Non-grounded Line?, Are there any dangers, and if so how much? |
|
|
|
|
  |
 Jun 2 2006, 03:01 AM
Post
#1
|
|
|
Premium Member  Group: Members Posts: 184 Joined: 29-April 06 From: San Francisco, CA Member No.: 22,735  |
Hey all. The outlets in my room are not grounded, and I want to eventually get a computer up and running in there. Do you think that it is dangerous to do so, and if so, how dangerous is it? Are we talking computer-dying dangerous, electrocuting myself dangerous, or some other kind of dangerous? Thanks, folks.
|
 |
 
|
|
Jun 2 2006, 03:43 AM
Post
#2
|
|
|
Super Member Group: Members Posts: 273 Joined: 14-April 06 From: Ontario, Canada, North America, Planet Earth Member No.: 21,845 |
Erm...I recommend you get grounded outlets for your computer.
This is because most power bars/surge protectors need a grounded plug to plug into. If you are not using a surge protector, you are in big trouble  Grounding safely delivers electricity to the ground in case of failure. This is a good feature to have in case something weird happens (which can range from: vehicle hitting utility pole, Hydro One (or whatever your power company is) messes up, storms, bad weather causing lines to fall/snap, emergency power outages, etc). Without grounding, that electricity can act weirdly dangerous, causing the entire wall to burn down. Remember, don't be complacent! I'll edit if I find something else new. This post has been edited by FirefoxRocks: Jun 3 2006, 02:10 PM |
|
|
|
|
Jun 2 2006, 03:52 AM
Post
#3
|
|
|
Super Member Group: Members Posts: 223 Joined: 16-January 06 From: New Zealand Member No.: 17,178 |
Ahhh.. only if you don't mind your computer blowing up and setting fire to your house if there's a power surge (as happens commonly during lightning storms)
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 2 2006, 06:16 AM
Post
#4
|
|
|
Premium Member Group: Members Posts: 184 Joined: 29-April 06 From: San Francisco, CA Member No.: 22,735 |
Yeah but I'm in Frisco, and there's like no lightning storms here.
Plus, this would be assuming that I would be able to get an adapter or something to plug the surge protector into an outlet. I'd still use a surge protector. |
|
|
|
|
Jun 2 2006, 06:58 AM
Post
#5
|
|
|
Super Member Group: Members Posts: 223 Joined: 16-January 06 From: New Zealand Member No.: 17,178 |
A lightning storm is just one cause, there are lots, like arcing in high winds, vehicles hitting power poles, the power company screwing with things etc. Surge protectors will probably need a ground as well though I'm not 100% on that as different brands use different ways to protect electronics. A surge protector still may not protect you from getting a lethal zap. Is the whole house not grounded? Cause if not, that is extremely dangerous....
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 2 2006, 02:15 PM
Post
#6
|
|
|
Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 144 Joined: 27-September 05 Member No.: 12,294 |
I would say get grounded and/or surge protection. If that baby gets a surge or something happens you could fry your computer and/or possibly burn your house down. And that would be bad. Do definantlly get a surge strip and if you can ground your room.
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 3 2006, 05:21 AM
Post
#7
|
|
|
Premium Member Group: Members Posts: 184 Joined: 29-April 06 From: San Francisco, CA Member No.: 22,735 |
Yeah, most of the house is grounded.
But my room isn't... Whether or not there is a grounded outlet, I will use a surge protector. I've just spent some time googling, without many results. Maybe I'm just retarded, but would any of you know aproximately how much it would cost to ground 1 outlet in an already grounded-house? |
|
|
|
|
Jun 3 2006, 10:04 AM
Post
#8
|
|
|
Super Member Group: Members Posts: 223 Joined: 16-January 06 From: New Zealand Member No.: 17,178 |
Sorry, can't help you there unfortunately as I am in New Zealand with different currency, prices and compliance laws. I hope you problem is resolved though (and that your computer doesn't bloiw up
)
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 4 2006, 09:29 PM
Post
#9
|
|
|
Member [Level 1] Group: Members Posts: 53 Joined: 21-May 06 Member No.: 24,065 |
Yeah, I wouldn't suggest doing that AT ALL. If there is a power surge and there is no grounding or surge protector, you computer could fry, or your house could set on fire.
|
|
|
|