No Ground AC

[smk]

Really need help with this one. Ok, so I had to move all my studio equipment to my dad's and he lives in this ancient house with no ground for the power. I'm talking two prong plug only. Is it ok to use an adapter without the ground with my equipment? I'm talking computer, furmans, preamps, tube mics, monitors, etc... Am I just sh*t out of luck and have to do a do-it-yourself ground? What would you do?

[nosebleedaudio]

Ideal situation would be to have an electrician install a new AC outlet with ground to the main panel, If your Dad owns the house. DO NOT attempt the isolated ground that some feel is a great idea if its not going to be electrically bonded to the main AC neutral at the meter or main panel, this is not only stupid and dangerous but against the NEC code. WWW.jmkaudio.com

[smk]

Well, so I guess running the studio without a ground is not an option then?

[nosebleedaudio]

Originally Posted by smk

Well, so I guess running the studio without a ground is not an option then?

You can tie all your equipment together so they are at least at the same potential. What are your main concerns?

[smk]

Originally Posted by nosebleedaudio

You can tie all your equipment together so they are at least at the same potential. What are your main concerns?

Well, I heard that surge protectors don't work unless there is a ground, which would mean that thousands of dollars worth of equipment could be ruined with a single jolt of bad luck...

[nosebleedaudio]

Originally Posted by smk

Well, I heard that surge protectors don't work unless there is a ground, which would mean that thousands of dollars worth of equipment could be ruined with a single jolt of bad luck...

That's true for the most part. Surge protectors work best when there is a ground, but a good surge protector will have MOV's across the 120V line, from the Hot(Black) to ground and the Neutral to ground. So that no matter where the surge or lightning hit exists it will be dissipated or shunted to ground, or if its a straight power surge across the 120V line the MOV across it will take care of it. Simply put they have several MOV's strapped across all possible entries. Yes for the best protection a grounded outlet will be needed. This is a problem in a lot of older buildings as well, night clubs ect...There are other problems that can exist on the power lines such as harmonic currents from other equipment on the same circuit..Not trying to scare you...