Two prong wall outlet options (electrical question)

[Alopex]

Hey guys,

Wasn't sure which forum to post this in, but I figured this was the best option.

I've recently moved to a two bedroom apartment, but realized that there is only one three prong grounded outlet in the entire place (in the living room). Because the two prong outlets aren't grounded, I'm wary of using a 2-3prong adapter and plugging in my computers.

What are my options?

It seems to be that I could run a 50ft extension cord to the bedroom and plug a surge protector into that, and then two computers + monitors into the surge protector (unless this would overload the circuit/wiring).

Or... I could ask the landlord to rewire it (no idea if he would bite).

Or some other option? I haven't had to deal with this issue beforehand, so any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Jeff7]

Did you get an outlet tester to verify that that one 3-prong outlet truly is grounded?

My apartment was the same way: Not a single grounded outlet in the building. Most are still 2-prong, and there were some 3-prongs, but there was no ground wire run to any of them. Old building.
At my request, the landlord was so kind as to run a bunch of new circuits: Some to the livingroom, the kitchen, the upstairs bedrooms, and to the bathroom. The outlets near sinks (now grounded as well) were changed to the GFCI style.


If your landlord won't go for it right away, maybe you can get some leverage by talking about meeting electrical codes, but I don't know how or if that could really be effective.


Without proper grounding, my understanding is that surge suppressors won't do much of anything, as they try to shunt severe overloads out through the ground connection.

 

[Alopex]

I didn't get an outlet tester, but the APC surge protector I'm using has a red "wiring fault" light that shows up when I plug it into one of the 2 prong outlets (by way of the 2->3 prong adapter). Is it safe to assume that if the surge protector says the wiring of the 3 prong wall outlet is alright, then it's protected? I'm clueless when it comes to electricity apparently XD

Sent an email to the landlord and will have to see what he says, but I'm guessing the path of least resistance will involve some sort of elaborate extension cord or moving the computers to the living room if need be.

 

[illram]

I have had to deal with this problem several times and I am by no means an electrical expert. I have a sneaking suspicion that this problem was what led to the PSU on my computer, stereo, AND flat screen TV all dying at various times throughout the three years I lived in one apartment. All were hooked up to a surge protector that was hooked up to a non grounded plug.

Just to make sure, you are screwing in the bottom metal flap of the three prong adapter into the faceplate, right? And the surge protector still indicates a wiring fault?

 

[Harvey]

It seems to be that I could run a 50ft extension cord to the bedroom and plug a surge protector into that, and then two computers + monitors into the surge protector (unless this would overload the circuit/wiring).

Two desktops and monitors could easily draw more current than a single outlet is rated to provide. For example, the maximum possible instantaneous current drawn by two newer 80% efficient 500 watt PSU's could exceed 10 amps, even before you add the additional power consumption of the monitors and anything else on the same curcuit. If the rating of the circuit breaker or fuse is 10 amps, you can count on resetting them often.

A 50 ft. extension cord could present its own problems because the internal resistance of the wires is not zero so, if you try to draw too much current through them, they would heat up. Furthermore, the total resistance in the extension is a function of length, or ohms per foot so, the longer the cord, the greater the total resistance. That means, for safety, and assuming the outlet at the wall can provide all the current you'll need, you'll want a really heavy duty extension cord about the diameter of a young python.

Or... I could ask the landlord to rewire it (no idea if he would bite).

This is your best option. If your landlord balks at the idea, you might offer to help by paying a little extra each month for a limited time, but ultimately, he is obligated to provide an apartment that meets current electrical and other safety codes, and he is the financial beneficiary of such improvements to his property.

Also, Jeff7 is right. Surge protectors and RF shielding probably won't work if the third terminal is not actually connected because the ground wire is the return path for the surges and interference.

 

[philipma1957]

if you are on first floor you can jury rig a non code ground. It would be mechanically sound but not be code.


if your window is near dirt and near your 3 to 2 prong plug. attach a wire to a rod and drive the rod into the ground see photos

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...71CF6ACA98EC51B286A07575995DC3E6B&FORM=IQFRBA


use the other end on one of these


http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...BIR&pq=wire connectors&sc=8-15&sp=-1&qs=n&sk=



attach this to the screw on the outlet where you have the 2 to 3 prong adapter. use 12 gauge wire. put some Vaseline on the outside connection.

this is a mechanically sound method but it is not code.

the reason it is not code is that the outside ground is not that easy to protect from dogs kids corrosion etc.

 

[natto fire]

if you are on first floor you can jury rig a non code ground. It would be mechanically sound but not be code.


if your window is near dirt and near your 3 to 2 prong plug. attach a wire to a rod and drive the rod into the ground see photos

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...71CF6ACA98EC51B286A07575995DC3E6B&FORM=IQFRBA


use the other end on one of these


http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...BIR&pq=wire connectors&sc=8-15&sp=-1&qs=n&sk=



attach this to the screw on the outlet where you have the 2 to 3 prong adapter. use 12 gauge wire. put some Vaseline on the outside connection.

this is a mechanically sound method but it is not code.

the reason it is not code is that the outside ground is not that easy to protect from dogs kids corrosion etc.

Agree with this post. You also might want to check if your plumbing is bonded to ground either at the panel or other means. This can be checked with a multimeter, although it does not necessarily prove you have a good earth ground unless further tests are done.

You basically want a good earth ground to attach to the ground plug on your cord, either through the metal tab of a 3-2 adapter, or wiring a box yourself with a grounded outlet.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I would try to just wire a ground to the plumbing or the electrical panel. I'd avoid adding another ground rod as the ground may be at a different potential than the rest of the ground system, but if that's the only way, it's better than nothing.

For the wire you can use bare copper and just run it under the baseboards to something that is grounded. Ductwork may actually be grounded too, so run it to the nearest vent. Test before of course. Take a volt meter between the power outlet's small hole (hot) and your ground source and it should read 120. From the big blade (neutral) it should read 0. The danger with this though is if there is a ground fault at the furnace where the duct work is no longer grounded, and there happens to be a device leaking current it will electrify the entire ductwork.

I'd just try to push the landlord to get something code compliant setup.

 

[westom]

Wall receptacle safety ground is not earth ground. A code violation is to connect a wall receptacle safety ground to an earth ground. That third prong must have a connection to the bus bar inside the breaker box.

Grounding to water pipes is also a code violation. And an obvious safety threat especially to anyone in a shower.

Not having a third prong decreases human safety. And does nothing to make the power strip any more effective. After all, many nations only have two wire circuits. And their PCs work just fine.

Best hardware protection for all two and three wire buildings is one 'whole house' protector connected low impedance to earth; in a breaker box or meter pan. A landlord should be more than happy to have you buy one to even protect his appliances. Or one can be installed by the electric company behind their meter.

Protectors need an earth ground; not a safety ground. Critical is the term 'low impedance'. Which means a connection to earth must have no sharp bends, must be separated from other wires, must be as short as possible (ie 'less than 10 feet'), no splices, not inside metallic conduit, etc.

Each also says why a wall receptacle safety ground is not an earth ground. And why facilities that can have no damage always earth one 'whole house' protector. Then need not make any wiring changes inside the building.

The light on the power stip or AC tester can report a defective safety ground. But it cannot report a good safety ground. And says absolutely nothing about earth ground.

 

[RU482]

I've lived in enough houses to say that it's a crapshoot to expect that the 3rd prong is actually grounded with any integrity in any house built before ...I dunno, 1990

 

[Red Squirrel]

Here's another way to get a good ground.

 

[philipma1957]

Here's another way to get a good ground.

pretty good one