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#1
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Easiest way to ground a computer?
The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets
are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! |
#2
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Code prohibits the use of coat hangers for the grounding of more than
one outlet. |
#3
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"Matt" wrote in message ps.com... Code prohibits the use of coat hangers for the grounding of more than one outlet. Thanks, but I don't care about the code. Everything in this house violates code anyway and I need a quick and cheap solution. |
#4
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Oh. Well ask Doug then.
He knows all about tricity. |
#5
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"Matt" wrote in message ups.com... Oh. Well ask Doug then. He knows all about tricity. It's not that I don't care about code, it's that this house already violates so many times, that it would be pointless to adhere to it anymore. |
#6
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Golly, it sure sounds like a swell house.
Best of luck with that computer project, Jules. |
#7
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On Thu, 05 May 2005 21:50:17 -0400, Julie P. wrote:
The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! Were you born stupid, or have you become that way over time? -- If you're not on the edge, you're taking up too much space. Linux Registered User #327951 |
#8
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"Matt" wrote in message ps.com... Code prohibits the use of coat hangers for the grounding of more than one outlet. Sure, a steel coathanger, but brass or aluminum coathangers have no limit. (wood coathangers can ground only switches.) |
#9
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"Dan C" wrote in message news On Thu, 05 May 2005 21:50:17 -0400, Julie P. wrote: The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! Were you born stupid, or have you become that way over time? blah blah blah. Go troll somewhere else. |
#10
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Julie P. wrote:
The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! Methinks ou are either a wise guy trying to put us on or an ignoranus being serious. Which is it? Jeff -- Jeffry Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE) "As long as there are final exams, there will be prayer in public schools" |
#11
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Julie P. wrote:
The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. Assuming things are as screwed up in your house as you say, what problem is it you are really trying to solve? What is the point of this whacky ground? |
#12
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On Thu, 05 May 2005 23:11:02 -0400, Julie P. wrote:
Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Were you born stupid, or have you become that way over time? blah blah blah. Go troll somewhere else. Me trolling? LOL! How about that statement of yours above? Are you really that ****ing stupid to think that a *painted* radiator pipe is going to provide a ground? Huh? You're the one trolling. You seem to have fooled a few morons around here, but it's quite obvious. Go play in traffic. -- If you're not on the edge, you're taking up too much space. Linux Registered User #327951 |
#13
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Julie P. wrote:
The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! Hi, I won't live in a place like that. But as long as you know it, wrapping is not enough, you need a clamp type ground connector. Sure the radiator is grounded? Must be VERY old building. Ever heard of ground loop which may create more problem than not having ground at all. As long as you know. Safety always first. Tony |
#14
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"John Harlow" wrote in message ... Julie P. wrote: The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. Assuming things are as screwed up in your house as you say, what problem is it you are really trying to solve? What is the point of this whacky ground? First of all, many many homes do not have grounded outlets. Second, I've seen other people attach a wire and run it out the window to the ground. Third many people attach the wire to a cold water pipe. So I'm looking for solutions, not sarcasm. |
#15
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"Dan C" wrote in message news On Thu, 05 May 2005 23:11:02 -0400, Julie P. wrote: Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Were you born stupid, or have you become that way over time? blah blah blah. Go troll somewhere else. Me trolling? LOL! How about that statement of yours above? Are you really that ****ing stupid to think that a *painted* radiator pipe is going to provide a ground? Huh? You're the one trolling. You seem to have fooled a few morons around here, but it's quite obvious. Go play in traffic. Go **** yourself asshole! |
#16
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"Tony Hwang" wrote in message news:7yBee.1239093$6l.422744@pd7tw2no... Julie P. wrote: The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! Hi, I won't live in a place like that. What would you do though if you were looking at houses to rent? Pull out a receptacle at each one you visit to see if it is grounded? But as long as you know it, wrapping is not enough, you need a clamp type ground connector. Sure the radiator is grounded? I am not sure, that is why I was asking. If I get ambitious I will simply run a ground wire form the receptacle to the neutral bus bar on the panel. But I do not want to do something where it takes too much time since it is not my house and it would only be a temporary set up (there is no way I would improve the house and then just leave it after I move out). If I happen to add another circuit or two for my office, I could just add the ground wires then. Must be VERY old building. Ever heard of ground loop which may create more problem than not having ground at all. As long as you know. Safety always first. Tony Thanks Tony. It was built in the 1800's. J. |
#17
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"Julie P." wrote in message ... "Dan C" wrote in message news On Thu, 05 May 2005 23:11:02 -0400, Julie P. wrote: Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Were you born stupid, or have you become that way over time? blah blah blah. Go troll somewhere else. Me trolling? LOL! How about that statement of yours above? Are you really that ****ing stupid to think that a *painted* radiator pipe is going to provide a ground? Huh? You're the one trolling. You seem to have fooled a few morons around here, but it's quite obvious. Go play in traffic. Go **** yourself asshole! Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?? |
#18
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Julie
To get an earth ground, you must pound a ten foot copper coated ground rod into the ground and clamp a wire to it. For a 20 amp circuit, the ground wire should be 12 gauge. In a building as old as yours, you could also attach the ground wire to the metal water pipe where it enters the building. Make sure you sand off any paint or corrosion, you must ground to bare metal. Use a clamp, don't just wrap the wire around the pipe. Pay no attention to Matt. That is just his idea of humor, making trouble for other people. He likes to belittle people who call him nasty names, but there are no nice names for Matt. The more I hear from him, the more I am convinced of that. Stretch |
#19
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On Fri, 06 May 2005 01:14:59 -0400, Julie P. wrote:
You're the one trolling. You seem to have fooled a few morons around here, but it's quite obvious. Go play in traffic. Go **** yourself asshole! Oh, that's a great come-back! Another example of your intelligence, I guess. Idiot. -- If you're not on the edge, you're taking up too much space. Linux Registered User #327951 |
#20
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On Fri, 06 May 2005 01:14:18 -0400, Julie P. wrote:
First of all, many many homes do not have grounded outlets. Where do you live? Second, I've seen other people attach a wire and run it out the window to the ground. I would report that to the nearest building inspector, if I ever saw it. Third many people attach the wire to a cold water pipe. That's the proper way to do it. So I'm looking for solutions, not sarcasm. So attach a ground bus to the cold water pipe, with solder. Not the "painted radiator pipe", you ignorant bitch. -- If you're not on the edge, you're taking up too much space. Linux Registered User #327951 |
#21
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what you propose is pointless. 'ground' is relative. without your
electrical service being 'grounded' to the same ground as the coathanger its just a floating ground. same as if you just used a pair of snippers and cut the third prong off the plug. randy The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! |
#22
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Assuming things are as screwed up in your house as you say, what problem is it you are really trying to solve? What is the point of this whacky ground? First of all, many many homes do not have grounded outlets. Second, I've seen other people attach a wire and run it out the window to the ground. Third many people attach the wire to a cold water pipe. None of this answers my original question: WHY do you feel you need to do this? What benefit do you think you will gain from this ground? |
#23
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Great advice, Stretch.
Not only did you show your unique ability to be trolled with ease, but you also just gave out incorrect, dangerous info. Good job. Keep it up! |
#24
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xrongor wrote: what you propose is pointless. 'ground' is relative. without your electrical service being 'grounded' to the same ground as the coathanger its just a floating ground. same as if you just used a pair of snippers and cut the third prong off the plug. This is actually a pretty good point. A makeshift ground may do more harm than good; in the extreme worse case, suppose you "ground" to a water pipe which is not itself grounded (suppose the water service has never been upgraded and is still lead, or has been upgraded recently with plastic). Then a fault on your grounded computer energizes all the plumbing in the house. A wire out the window to a coathanger is not a ground, it's an antenna, and it's anyone's guess what that'll do for your computer. What you can consider, which is code-compliant in the US and Canada and a safety benefit, is to have the ungrounded outlets replaced with GFCI receptacles. This does not provide ground but will protect against a lot of what can go wrong. GFCI's come with stickers that say "no equipment ground" that you put on the faceplace when you do this. If the "site wiring fault" light on your surge suppressor bothers you, put tape over it. Chip C Toronto |
#25
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Julie,
Sorry you got so much abuse on this board. You are right that some computer equiptment does need a decent ground to function properly. Some of the replies were right (even though abusive) -- you do want to be careful not to make the situation worse than it already is. Since the ground is used for several things (sheilding, possibly a reference voltage, and place to dump current in the case of a short circuit), you have to watch what you are doing. You are probably best off just living without the ground unless your particular equiptment is not working correctly without it. The issue with the ground wire is that it carries current in a fault situation, so you want to make sure it really really is connected to the ground. If it is hot but not connected, then you can end up with hot radiators, plumbing, or whatever, which is worse than just having no ground wire at all. Here are some ideas: 1 - Get a 3-prong to 2-prong-with-ground adapter. The adapter should let you attach a ground wire, preferably with a screw clamp of some kind. This way you won't be causing any ground loops, or connecting in any way to the (disconnected) ground on the outlet. I don't know the code surrounding these, but this may be the best option for your unfortunate situation. 2 - Buy a decent peice of wire for the ground cord. I don't see why it needs to be any bigger than the wire used by your equiptment itself. So you could just buy 14g stranded cord, for example, if that is what you prefer. Best would be to buy a length of 14 gauge solid copper wire with a green covering, which would make it clear what it is being used for. You could use 12 guage also, but for a single computer device that would be overkill, and harder for you to work with. 3 - Don't connect to the radiator or other things, for the reasons above. A coat hanger won't work. You normally would need a ground rod, but you might be able to find something suitable nearby already. What does your service ground use? If you can find your existing ground rod(s), or whatever plumbing pipe is used all ready, connect to that with a new separate copper clamp. If you entire service is ungrounded, then you have much bigger problems and need to report it. If you can't get at the ground for some reason, then you could put in your own ground rod, which should not be too hard. Talk to someone at a decent electrical supply store (not HD or bigbox stores -- try an independent store with an old guy behind the counter), and they will give you a rod and instructions on how to install it. You can use the same rod for multiple computers. Good luck, -Kevin |
#26
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Julie P. wrote:
The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! That little screw that holds the outlet cover on should be grounded. You could attach to that. Or a cold water pipe. |
#27
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"Julie P." wrote:
The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Get a decent UPS and plug the computer stuff into it? Mine has Automatic voltage regulation (AVR) and it is amazing how often it kicks in. Weirdly, it is because the voltage increases when a load kicks on. |
#28
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Sorry you got so much abuse on this board. You are right that some computer equiptment does need a decent ground to function properly. Which computer equipment would that be? |
#29
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Weirdly, it is because the voltage increases when a load kicks on. You might have a bad neutral connection, possibly to the pole. |
#30
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"Matt" wrote in message
oups.com... Golly, it sure sounds like a swell house. Best of luck with that computer project, Jules. Julie P. Do anything and hook anything up you want. The house will probably burn to the ground and they will come and build a new one to code. Of course, some people may not be around to enjoy it. |
#31
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The APC UPSes will generate their own ground if they don't get one. At
least, the more expensive ones. The ones that do have a little notice in the manual about how all they need is a neutral and power. -Keith |
#32
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On Fri, 06 May 2005 11:32:00 -0700, Keith Jewell wrote:
The APC UPSes will generate their own ground if they don't get one. At least, the more expensive ones. The ones that do have a little notice in the manual about how all they need is a neutral and power. "Generate their own ground", huh? What a ****ing galoot. You're as ignorant as the original dumb bitch that started this idiotic thread. -- If you're not on the edge, you're taking up too much space. Linux Registered User #327951 |
#33
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You mean to enjoy the fire, or enjoy the new house?
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#34
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On Thu, 5 May 2005 21:50:17 -0400, "Julie P."
wrote: The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! troll? |
#35
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Ron Tock wrote:
Julie P. wrote: The electrical wiring in my house is not grounded, although all the outlets are three prong. I have a lot of equipment like air conditioners, fax machines, printers, computers, routers, etc. What would be the easiest way to ground one or two of my outlets? Can I string a wire over the grounding prong on the surge protector plug and then run the wire out of my windows to the ground and then impale the ground with a coat hanger attached to the wire? Or can I just wrap the wire around the painted radiator pipe which runs to the upstairs tenant's radiator? This is close to the outlets. Thanks! That little screw that holds the outlet cover on should be grounded. You could attach to that. Or a cold water pipe. Whether this thread began with a troll or not..... Do you really think in a house that old you could rely on the boxes being grounded? I don't think saying "should" was good advice without teaching her how to establish whether they are or are not grounded. If the house is as far off code as claimed, then there's no guarantee that all the cold water piping is grounded either, someone may have slipped a piece of plastic in when making a repair, or perhaps installed a galvanic coupling (also an insulator) when replacing a section of old iron pipe with copper. She (If not a troller.) really needs to get a qualified electrician to make sure things are done right. Jeff -- Jeffry Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE) "As long as there are final exams, there will be prayer in public schools" |
#36
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Dan C wrote:
On Fri, 06 May 2005 11:32:00 -0700, Keith Jewell wrote: The APC UPSes will generate their own ground if they don't get one. At least, the more expensive ones. The ones that do have a little notice in the manual about how all they need is a neutral and power. "Generate their own ground", huh? What a ****ing galoot. They tie the grounding conductors of the devices plugged into them together. What is lacking is the grounding conductor to the house electrical system, so that the two grounding systems can be bonded together. If the UPS monitors it's ground conductor for any voltage on it, and shuts off, that serves the safety function of tripping the breaker, that the standard ground system provides. Note that this won't help with surge suppressors that do in fact require a good connection to the earth ground. You're as ignorant as the original dumb bitch that started this idiotic thread. But polite, and right. |
#37
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Julie,
Disregarding code and stupid replies, ground the outlet box you will use for the computer. A secure connection to a water pipe will sufice or run a ground to the circuit breaker or fuse box. I own several houses built between 1902 & 1920 and these have only two wire systems. This works. Stormin |
#38
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That little screw that holds the outlet cover on should be grounded.
says who? its grounded if its grounded. its not if its not. if its old enough its not. randy |
#39
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"Stormin" wrote in message oups.com... Julie, Disregarding code and stupid replies, ground the outlet box you will use for the computer. A secure connection to a water pipe will sufice or run a ground to the circuit breaker or fuse box. I own several houses built between 1902 & 1920 and these have only two wire systems. This works. sorry norman. what you propose does not 'ground' anything. at best it does nothing. at worse you have current flowing through this so called 'ground' all the time. randy |
#40
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This thread has got to be breaking records in the area of the number of
people so easily trolled/so many incorrect answers given to a troll question. I hope Julie is getting a kick out of it; because other than that - this thread serves no purpose whatsoever. |
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