SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

[heeshung]

Currently my computer is connected to an ungrounded outlet. It has always been ungrounded, and the computer has been on the same outlet for more than 3 years, and I haven't had a problem. I goes through two power surge strips, and the wiring lights come on expectedly.

I recently started thinking about the damage that may be done to my computer. Assuming normal voltage, and normal occasional ups and downs in the voltage, is not having the computer grounded damaging to it? If it is, how much is it doing to the computer? I think the normal voltage is usually around 125-130, so does the PSU send the extra voltage through the ground, or does it just lower it like a transformer does?

I'm asking because it is a tedious process to get the outlet properly grounded.

Thanks in advance! :)

[groundsquirrel]

fournd this little discussion about the topic. thought you might find it useful.

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7586_102-0.html?forumID=68&threadID=136716&messageID=1538344

[ricktobin]

Your surge protector/power strip MUST be connected to a reliable ground in order for it to work properly.

You do have the potential to damage your equipment if it somehow experiences a problem internally, and a "live" part of the electrical circuit comes in contact with the systems chassis or case.

Even more importantly, you run the risk of electrocution should something like that occur and you happen to be in contact with the device at the same time. If no circuit ground is present, then you become the fastest path of least resistance to ground.

When there is a fault (or short), the ground takes the current and safely disipates that current while at the same time causing whatever safety device is present in the circuit to blow (fuse) or trip (circuit breaker).

[heeshung]

I understand that I could very well fry my computer if there's nowhere for the extra electricity to go. But what if, pretending you live in perfect world where power surges didn't exist, would the regular ups and downs of electricty be worse since the ground isn't there to dissipate that voltage? Or does the PSU not dissipate it through the ground anyway?

Also, what about power surge strips that ground through the negative terminal of your power?

[tropicalfish]

ricktobin wrote: RD...a ground doesn't have anything to do with protecting your equipment?

(power surge, lightning, noise...hint, hint.)

You might want to re-think that response.

If I am not mistaken, RD has not yet posted in this topic.

I would ground just to be safe.

[ricktobin]

Ever hear of EDIT or DELETE there genius?

[capt.PropwashKCHS]

The way that i understand electrical currents, is you have a HOT, COLD, and GROUND. + / - / neutral.... Hot gives you power, COLD or negative returns that power back to the source, and GROUND if needed will keep everything in balance by allowing the excess to dissipate to save your equipment. The best solution is to have that particular outlet rewired all the way back to the breaker box and make sure that the new outlet for your computer is a GFCI (Ground Fault Circut Interrupter) ... In Laymens terms, if it senses that power is escaping the circut it will kill the circut to protect the item that is plugged in to it.

Hope this might help a little.

[groundsquirrel]

Actually, GFCI is to protect the circuit to prevent an electrical fire in the wall. Your computer can still suffer below the GFCI's threshold settings. Just get her grounded, use a decent surge arrest (if you have the pennies a lightning/spike arrestor would be better). A nice Uninterruptable Power Supply with built in line conditioning is best for a desktop. My system has handled surges no problem, but brown outs and power outs can really zap your stuff. The UPS allows you to do a normal shutdown routine if power becomes compromised.