On Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:30:37 -0500, Gary H wrote:
On Mon, 1 Sep 2008 18:57:41 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

If a power wire inside the computer touches the (metal) case of the
computer, the case can become energized. And thus, a shock hazard to the
people. With a grounded system, the power goes through the ground wire back
to the earth. With the ground prong cut off, the power goes through the
person, electrocuting that person.

Dry skin is unlikely to conduct enough electricity to be dangerous (at
120V). Maybe that applies to the computer you keep by the side of your
bathtub.

Not only that, but power supplies don't connect the mains to the ground. The
chance of the ground being anything but high impedance is rather unlikely.

The ground is there for the unlikely chance that a broken wire inside the
computer could come in contact with the case and this is extremely rare.

Don't take the computer into the bathtub and there won't be a problem.