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Does a desktop power supply need to be grounded?

A further follow-up to my question What precautions when using multi-rail SMPS? ;

Should I use an SMPS cord that lacks an earth-pin?

 (o)   ---------------- hole where the earth-pin should be
o   o  ---------------- 1 line pin + 1 neutral pin
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@ studiohack - i searched for 'earth' instead of 'ground' without result )+: colloquialisms ... – Everyone Apr 7 '11 at 5:19
Follow-up: Spoke with support, and they said this was for a European style plug which apparently has the earth/ground pin protruding out of the plug socket. Is this right? – Everyone Apr 10 '11 at 6:00
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closed as exact duplicate by studiohack♦ Apr 7 '11 at 4:46

This question covers exactly the same ground as earlier questions on this topic; its answers may be merged with another identical question. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

1 Answer

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While this won't affect the functionality of the power supply, it does compromise the safety of the unit, since a fault such as stray power or wiring failure can cause the case of the computer or power supply to become electrified, creating a risk of electric shock. The ground pin is intended to prevent electrical current from reaching external metal parts.

You can use the cord, but you shouldn't because it would not be very safe to do so.

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Thanks; I'll go and poke the shop for a replacement (+: – Everyone Apr 7 '11 at 4:31
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