PC plugged into outlet without ground.

[Weber_]

I am building a pc but my outlet doesn't have a ground because it is 2 pronged. I have a 3 prong adapter leading to a surge protecter which is where my computer would be plugged in.

Is this safe? Anything else I can do?

 

[clutchc]

Safe for you or safe for the PC?
If you are in an older residence with old wiring and outlets, you should connect the adapter's* ground wire to some grounded metal in the residence. Like a water pipe or ground rod.

*I presume by adapter you are using a 3 prong to 2 prong like this: http://i.stack.imgur.com/993s9.gif
If your outlet box is grounded, you can connect the ground wire directly to the screw holding the outlet cover on.

 

[Weber_]

Safe for you or safe for the PC?
If you are in an older residence with old wiring and outlets, you should connect the adapter's* ground wire to some grounded metal in the residence. Like a water pipe or ground rod.

*I presume by adapter you are using a 3 prong to 2 prong like this: http://i.stack.imgur.com/993s9.gif
If your outlet box is grounded, you can connect the ground wire directly to the screw holding the outlet cover on.

Alright, I think I might be able to do that, tough part is I'm on the second floor of the house, and I'm not sure if the outlet box is grounded, any way I can test to see if it is?

 

[clutchc]

If you are using the type of 3-prong to 2-prong adapter I linked to above (or a similar one), plug it into the outlet and fasten the ground wire under the outlet cover screw.
Then plug one of these into the adapter and read the light pattern. It will tell you if the receptacle is properly grounded or not, along with other possible problems. http://www.amazon.com/Power-Gear-50542-3-Wire-Receptacle/dp/B002LZTKIA
You can find the receptacle tester at any hdwr. store too.

 

[Weber_]

If you are using the type of 3-prong to 2-prong adapter I linked to above (or a similar one), plug it into the outlet and fasten the ground wire under the outlet cover screw.
Then plug one of these into the adapter and read the light pattern. It will tell you if the receptacle is properly grounded or not, along with other possible problems. http://www.amazon.com/Power-Gear-50542-3-Wire-Receptacle/dp/B002LZTKIA
You can find the receptacle tester at any hdwr. store too.

Alright, my adapter is very similar to that, but doesn't have a wire, it does have a little metal thing I can hook up to the screw, just bummed I have to wait to test it.

 

[clutchc]

Do you have a voltmeter? A continuity tester?

 

[Weber_]

Do you have a voltmeter? A continuity tester?

Unfortunately I do not. Could I just take off the screw on the outlet and see if there is a third ground wire in the socket?

 

[clutchc]

Yes, if you feel comfortable doing that. Remove the cover and see if the outlet box is metal and not not plastic, and if it is grounded with a bare or green wire. Are you in the US?

 

[Weber_]

Yes, if you feel comfortable doing that. Remove the cover and see if the outlet box is metal and not not plastic, and if it is grounded with a bare or green wire. Are you in the US?

Yes i'm in the US. I will get back with some results in a few minutes


Alright, so the socket box is metal, and there is no third wire at all.

 

[Weber_]

Yes, if you feel comfortable doing that. Remove the cover and see if the outlet box is metal and not not plastic, and if it is grounded with a bare or green wire. Are you in the US?

So I connected the ground of the adapter to the metal screw anyway, in hopes that the box is grounded, but I guess there is no way to test this is there?

 

[clutchc]

Yes, if you feel comfortable doing that. Remove the cover and see if the outlet box is metal and not not plastic, and if it is grounded with a bare or green wire. Are you in the US?

So I connected the ground of the adapter to the metal screw anyway, in hopes that the box is grounded, but I guess there is no way to test this is there?

Not w/o a VOM meter. Or that receptacle tester I linked you to. A metal box won't be grounded unless (1) there is a ground wire attached to either it or the outlet... or (2) the electrical system was installed using conduit instead of cable.

Your PC will work fine on a 2-wire un-grounded outlet. But you have a much higher risk of ESD damage to delicate components. And some minor risk of electrical shock to you as well.