Osama Javaid asks:
Should a metallic PC casing be grounded in order to protect PC components in case of a short circuit? If yes, HOW?
21 Answers -
Bhavuk Jain
October 7, 2012If earthing is already done in your house and the power is connected with the 3 pin plug, then no grounding is required. Otherwise, if only a 2 pin plug is used then just put your PC on the ground.
No, it’s a 2 pin plug, and how to ground if putting the PC on the ground is not an option?
October 7, 2012Putting a PC on the ground does not “ground” it.
October 7, 2012LOL. this was a funny statement.
October 8, 2012Yes that is true.Try to get your house earthed.In that way you won’t need to take precautions for every electrical device.
October 8, 2012Jasur Karimov
October 7, 2012My PC has metallic casing and there is no grounded circuit in my flat. Personally, I do not think there is a need in this.
Anonymous
October 7, 2012Always use a three pin plug for your PC. As bhavuk said if earthing is proper then no need of any worry
Anonymous
October 7, 2012always use a 3 pin plug man…
Aniket Singh
October 7, 2012yes, becoz it can conduct electricity and can destroy ur PC
kb3wzz
October 7, 2012Your PC case is already grounded via the power supply , when plugged into a properly wired outlet.
When it is not plugged in.
Then it is subject to ESD discharge and should be properly stored by putting it a dissipative container.
Dimal Chandrasiri
October 7, 2012the thing is most of the power supply units contain a 3 pin connector but some use a two pin connector with an optional space for grounding pin. I’m sure your house has a earthing connector. so, if you are using a 2 pin cable, switch to a 3 pin cable and you are good to go.
Note : after stepping in to a 3 pin cable, test your casing is grounded correctly with a tester.
Alan Wade
October 7, 2012No, your case dosnt need extra grounding unless otherwise stated when you bought it. Most cases are insulated. The only thing that needs extra grounding is you if you are working on the boards etc, that will remove any static.
Keian Kirkegaard
October 7, 2012I agree with the previous posts, but just wanted to add that it may be a good idea to visually verify that the case itself has a solid connection to whatever element you are using for the ground. Some coatings on parts may limit their conductance when mechanically fastened to another element so just make sure to check the potential between the case and ground after the connection is made. As an added measure, some multi-meters have a ‘connection’ test that will simply beep if the path between the two probes has a ‘good’ connection. You could verify this also by simply measuring the resistance and ensuring it is low.
Alex Perkins
October 7, 2012If you’re using a 3 prong plug then it should already be grounded.
Jim Chambers
October 7, 2012Case is already grounded. However, I suggest you use a quality surge protecter to plug in your computer equipment and not a “Dollar Store” power bar.
Martyn Jones
October 7, 2012You can tell if it’s grounded ok. If you can hear a buzzing in your speakers and when you touch the case it stops it’s not grounded properly
Rajaa Chowdhury
October 8, 2012If the electricity at your place has been properly earthed, and you are using a three pin plug for your computer, I do not think you need any further precaution.
Rajaa Chowdhury
October 8, 2012If the electricity at your place has been properly earthed, and you are using a three pin plug for your computer, I do not think you need any further precaution.
Dave Rimmer
October 8, 2012Are you building a System with a metal case, you should not need to worry as others have stated use a good PSU with a three pin plug on it and you should be fine. If you are building your own make sure you use the stand offs under your motherboard.
Seb Arnold
October 8, 2012If you’re using a 3 prong plug then it should already be grounded
Oron Joffe
October 8, 20121. Grounding will make little difference to your PC, but it is a safety feature which helps to protect you the electrical supply.
2. The PC’s case does not need to be grounded (it’s not part of the PC’s electronic circuit). However, the PC’s power supply has a three pin socket.
3. If your wall socket only has two pins, you can create a “ground” by connecting an earthing strap (or just thick wire) to a water pipe, and connect the earth-line from the PC to the ground. Muo TechGuy is right in saying that you can’t use the “ground” for this since most floors are pretty good insulators, but the water pipes or buried metalwork will conduct electricity and this is indeed how “proper” ground circuits are made.
Vishal Mishra
October 9, 2012you should use a 3 pin plug, or it is dangerous. It can give an electric shock.
dhanunjayarao chunduri
October 18, 2012Putting a PC on the ground does not “ground” it.
Gabriel Barron
October 30, 2012What type of desktop do you have that its only a 2 prong outlet? you could use a ground only prong on extension cord to ground your stuff.
Abba Jee
November 29, 2012i have 2 pins plug, metallic PC casing and for last 2 years or so its placed on ground yet not grounded