Electricity: Ground?

[Brian Densmore]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: James Sissel 
> 
> 
> I would strongly advise against using the Neutral as a ground wire
> substitute.  Yes, both the Neutral and Ground run back to the 
> same place in
> the panel.  However!, the Neutral wire is carrying current 
> (the "return"
> path of the Hot wire) and should it break becomes hot itself. 
>  I would also
> advise against the practice of wrapping a wire around a water 
> pipe and using
> it as the ground.  If something goes wrong you can energize 
> your entire
> plumbing system.  Ground in modern systems is nothing to fool 
> around with.
> Do it properly.
Good point, but lots of professional systems have a ground attached
to plumbing. In addition to external grounds. A good system will have
at least two earth grounds a minimum of 3 ft under the ground outside,
and the junction box itself will be grounded. I personally don't like 
ground on the plumbing system. Also , it is possible to install new wire
in house that is ungrounded, if the existing wire is also ungrounded. To
answer the original question. I would check all the outlets and look for
a grounded connection. I have several electronics in my house including
at least one PC that is on an ungrounded polarized system. I am slowly 
replacing all wiring in the house with grounded wiring. I would say it
is not safe to run a PC on an unpolarized system. Not that it can't be
done. A three prong polarized system is recommended. Make sure the 3
prong system is actually grounded though. Often times people install
3 pronged outlets and they are not grounded.

Brian