Risks of non-grounded plugs

uhhhh, non grounded?

I could be dangerous with a Mac Pro because of the metal case. If something in the power supply shorts to the case it will blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker if the ground wire is connected. If the ground is not connected you will find out about the short if you touch the case. The computer will still function, but you may not. Equipment designed to run with two prong plugs have extra isolation (double insulation or plastic cases) of the power circuits to make short circuits less likely. If you absolutely have to run it without the ground wire connected, us a ground fault interrupter (GFI). This will shut off the power if any current flows out of the case (and through you). See
<http://www.misterfixit.com/gfi.htm>

<<The computer will still function, but you may not.>>

I had to dry my eyes... that was too funny.

Yes, indeed, anyone running a studio or home computer environment without proper electrical barriers is asking for trouble, if not now then in the future. Electrical wiring deteriorates over time, though often very slowly, but poorly manufactured and poorly installed electrical wiring will eventually cause intermittent shorts that are a pain to repair. You can buy GFCI outlets from Lowes or Home Depot or almost any good hardware store these days for about 20-30 dollars - most newer homes will already have these. You should not install them if you don't know what you are doing - pay someone to do it for you - be safe, because electrical shocks can really, really hurt. You can also now buy in-line GFCI units that will plug into existing outlets, installation-free.

Just as importantly, I think, you can also buy UPS systems now for as little as $50 (probably even less these days). These systems are a must, especially if you are running a studio with a computer and any outboard gear - comps, limiters, mics, pres, keyboards, monitors, whatever. At starting prices of $50, they are wise and prudent investments for electronic and electrical equipment, even two-prong equipment. Higher-end UPS units will come with monitoring software that can be extremely useful. I use cyberguys.com, but most reputable computer sites and brick-and-mortar stores would stock this equipment.

And remember - avoid studio ground loops and keep all your (hopefully shielded) cords and cables together in lines as straight as possible whenever possible (not always possible).

Regards,
Rube

G4 867x2 2Gb Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Risk of shock, notwithstanding, doing so also means the machine is vulnerable to power surges. Now maybe you can take a little jolt yourself, but your $2000+ computer cannot, and Apple will just laugh if you ask them to fix your fried logic board as a warranty issue. So yes, it's a stupid idea

If you are spending the $ on a mac pro, spend the extra $ to get an electrician to install at least 1 grounded outlet for your computer needs. Oh and get a UPS while you are at it. It is summer after all and people need their A/C!

Mac Pro 2.66 (on order) Mac OS X (10.4.7)

While I did just that in my previous apartment the costs of adding a ground wire can be prohibitive in situtations like those in older building where access to the actual ground is difficult. Though your are right… it's well worth it if the cost is reasonable not to mention the UPS which is in my book, necessary at all times.

The UPS and GFI are independent. The GFI protects everything past it (power cords, UPS, distribution strips, computer, etc.). Do you really need the UPS. Power loss will not damage anything with disk journaling. If you have power lines susceptible to lightning, you need a good (designed to protect electronics, not just the wiring) protector at the power entrance to the building. A good UPS is a lot more than $50.00 I would spend the money first on getting grounded outlets.

I always say that a UPS is an essential part of life. Even if it gives you only 5 minutes of battery time it's five minutes more to make a decision over having the rug from being pulled from under your feet without notice.

Additionally, the cause of most data loss is the good old brown-out where power/voltage dips below spec. The Mac Pro desktops with their large power draw are very susceptible to this type of issue which is why I will always include a line interactive UPS with any purchase of this type.

Personally I have around 5000VA of battery backup around the house. You'd be surprised as to how handy it is… even if it's to power a low wattage bedside lamp for a couple of hours when the light have gone out.