Outlet is "Open Ground" - Is There Still a Safe Way to Connect to My Audio Gear?
So typically from a wall power outlet runs a very short Nordost Power Cable to Nordost's Qb8 "power strip," and then a loom of Nordost Power Cables to my vinyl audio set up All the Nordost cables were bought used and sound great. Having just moved and set up everything in a new room, the nearest power outlet is "Open Ground"(!) Without moving everything around to fit the main Power Cable length to a "Grounded" outlet, please is there a safe and best sounding way to still use this outlet to power everything? Thanks! :-)
@vinylfun said:
No, it would not. It also would not protect from transient surges either. The SPD requires an equipment ground connection. https://panamax.com/product/2-outlet-direct-plug-in-surge-protector-with-coax/ https://s3.niceforyou.support/products/MD2-C/pdf_MD2-C_manual.pdf . https://www.crutchfield.com/p_299MD2/Panamax-MD2.html https://pdf.crutchfieldonline.com/ImageBank/v20100815120200/Manuals/299/299MD2.PDF .
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@motown-l said:
Resolved by using the Panamax surge protector/power conditioner? Model? Does it use an internal isolation power transformer? |
You should get the grounding issue fixed, but the only "fix" for this I know of is to use a GFCI outlet and label it with the sticky labels that say "No Equipment Ground." However, not ideal and most surge protectors won’t work correctly in this state. This will however save your ass in case of a short to the chassis. I’d suggest you get a cheap-o 3 plug tester like this one and validate that it’s wired correctly, or not, and that the Neutral to Earth value is 2V or less. Either of these not being true call an electrician. You might also just want to check the outlet. It could be the ground wire just came loose, or it might have bee your first surge strip was faulty. Good to have around especially in a home that's new to you. Test everything, trust nothing and maybe look at my blog for ideas on good AC for the frugal audiophile |
I have had to replace several duplex outlets over the years. Definitely two wire open ground. There is an addition on the house, built in the 1980's. Those outlets do have the typical green grounding cable, but the breaker box (since replaced and upgraded) was still from the 1950's and didn't have provisions for actual grounded outlets, anywhere in the house. I don't have access to the model number of the Panamax surge protector, but it's a fairly low end model. All I know is when the amp was plugged directly to the mains, it's metal front cover conveyed some minor current flow and when plugged into the Panamax, it was resolved. I am not in a position to rewire my entire home either DIY or via a paid professional. I also don't own equipment anywhere near true audiophile or reference level cost or performance. |
This is what NEC code calls for. Had to scroll too far down for to finally reach the correct answer. You can also replace the first receptacle on the circuit with the GFCI and attach the downstream receptacles to "load" and label them per above. This will ensure each receptacle on the circuit is protected by the single GFCI. Or place the GFCI solely on the receptacle in question. |
