Question about ungrounded plugs...

Dillon · Post by **Dillon** » 2006-09-27 08:44pm

Is there any way to safely plug a computer into an ungrounded outlet without the risk of a power surge frying it? Does a power surger help prevent this? I've asked two Electricians, and each one has given me opposite answers so I am understandably confused. If anyone here could help me, It would be very much appreciated.

ThatGuyFromThatPlace · Post by **ThatGuyFromThatPlace** » 2006-09-27 09:47pm

I would plug the computer into the undergrounded outlet... If I wanted to fry it, and even surge protectors will be of only limited use against an undergrounded socket

SCRawl · Post by **SCRawl** » 2006-09-27 09:54pm

It's completely pointless to use a surge protector in an outlet with an open ground. If there is a spike, your computer is going to get it, and probably die from it. The surge protector warranty won't be of any use, either, because it requires a properly grounded outlet to function.

aerius · Post by **aerius** » 2006-09-27 09:59pm

When there's a power surge, the computer will get fried whether the outlet's grounded or not. A grounded outlet doesn't keep the computer or any other electronic appliance from frying, it keeps YOU from frying if and when the appliance develops an electrical fault.

As for surge protection, anything short of a UPS or a medical grade power conditioner is pretty much useless.