My girlfriend and I have been renting this apartment for a while, and we just discovered that most of the outlets are ungrounded. It was built in 1963 and mainly has two-prong outlets. She uses a gaming PC with some pretty powerful components, and currently, she's using a cheater plug to connect it to the outlet. I've asked our landlord to either ground the outlets or install GFCI outlets, but I think he might resist because of the cost. I'm also considering whether I should just buy a long extension cord to connect her PC to a grounded outlet downstairs, but that sounds like such a hassle. Is it safe for her to keep using the cheater plug since nothing has happened so far? We also use a portable AC unit in another ungrounded outlet during the hot days, which adds to my concerns.
6 Answers
You should definitely check the local codes regarding GFCI outlets in rentals. Not having them could mean your landlord is out of compliance, which could pressure him to address the issue. Just keep in mind that pushing for this might lead to needing to find a new place, but on the bright side, you might end up somewhere with grounded outlets, which is much safer!
Using an extension cord over long distances can sometimes be riskier than using a cheater plug. I've heard of 'ground loop' issues that can create noise problems and increase shock risks, especially if you're using multiple devices connected to separate outlets. If you're really concerned, asking a licensed electrician for advice might be the safest bet.
Just to clarify, grounded and GFCI outlets are different. You may still be fine using a cheater plug, but if you get crazy about power load, it's better to find a more permanent solution. Don't hesitate to reach out to a professional if you have doubts about safety!
For safety, it's ideal not to use metal-bodied appliances with ungrounded outlets. It's better to play it safe when it comes to electrical setups, especially with your girlfriend's PC. Just be cautious about the risks that can arise!
I had a similar situation years ago with ungrounded plugs. After a close lightning strike, I watched my VCR and TV smoke. I ended up buying heavy gauge copper grounding wire and hooking it up to a water pipe for a proper ground. It worked wonders, and I never had fried electronics again. It's definitely a risk to use ungrounded outlets with sensitive electronics like a gaming PC, so consider your options carefully!
Honestly, that place has held up since 1963 without any grounded outlets, and you're likely fine as long as you're not pulling insane amounts of power nonstop. Unless you plan on running a huge power setup, you might not run into issues. Just make sure to monitor everything and handle electronics carefully!
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