Jul 26, 2008

Is It Safe To Run A Computer Off A Non-grounded Line? - Are there any dangers, and if so how much?

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Is It Safe To Run A Computer Off A Non-grounded Line? - Are there any dangers, and if so how much?

matto
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.

Reply

FirefoxRocks
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 smile.gif

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.

Reply

Thorned Rose
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) wink.gif

Reply

matto
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.

Reply

Thorned Rose
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.... unsure.gif

Reply

JC05
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.

Reply

matto
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?

Reply

Thorned Rose
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 wink.gif)

Reply

Magic1492
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. unsure.gif

Reply

jibnet
Hey no need for grounding. I have been using my computer without grounding for more than 8 years now and nothing has happened till now. Its safe. I dont run even a single appliance in my house with ground. Its works without ground too

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FolkRockFan
Grounding the electrical outlets gives the electricity a safe place to go when something goes wrong. If your stuff isn't grounded, then you run the risk of frying your equipment. And if things go TERRIBLY wrong, you can fry your house too.

Grounding an ungrounded outlet is fairly straightforward and easy to do. An electrician can get the job done in just a few minutes. I can't tell you how much it'll cost, because I don't live where you live. Not even in the same state. Whatever you pay the electrician is worth the investment because you'll be able to relax knowing that a power surge or other mishap won't destroy your computer, your house, et cetera.

Reply

megabytemb
you should always have eletronics grounded otherwise you become the ground (aka shocked)

Reply

michaelper22
If your home experiences a power surge, and your equipment isn't grounded, then your computer will short out (or fry in other words). Having a ground gives the excess electricity a place to go, other than through a shorted circuit.

Having a surge protector and a grounded line each accomplish their own thing, but work together. Your computer has a ground of its own if it is connected to to a grounded outlet, but the surge protector keeps the surge from reaching your computer.

Keep in mind that cheapo surge protectors don't do as good of a job at absorbing surges, so go with a good brand like Belkin or APC.

Reply

odomike
You wouldnt wanna loose a priced possesion like a computer within a twinkle of an eye. I recomend you go and have the electrical outlets in your room grounded just to be on the safe side.

You never can tell.

Reply

harshcpu
STOP RIGHT THERE

Do NOT use a computer without a grounded outlet.

I would recommend that before you buy a computer get an electrician in there and update your electrical equipment.

The main reason is a power surge. It may not sound that bad but especially in a place with older electrical equipment it can be dangerous. Not only to a computer but to any electrical equipment. It can supply to much power to it and short it out.

If you were to have a power surge without a grounded outlet where is the power going to go? To the board and all other parts of the computer and it will most likely be 100% shot without a single salvageable part.

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