Re: [OT] Computer box as earth
On 30/11/11 10:28, Mark Panen wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a router right next to my machine and have connected a data
> surge arrestor, can i connect the earth of the surge arrestor to the
> machine?
>
A "data surge arrestor"!!
Does it stop buffer overflows? ;-p
I'm assuming you're referring to a "surge protective device" (SPD) -
which is designed to dump (absorb and divert) excessive voltage
(lightning etc) to earth - you don't want that dump going through the
box of your computer (which may not be earthed anyway).
Best practise is to use a dedicated earth - preferably one where the
shortest path to earth doesn't pass through anything you value.
Your "router" is possibly double insulated (2-wire), while your computer
will be insulated. However your computer case may not be mechanically
earthed.... the power supply will be, but the case is probably only
earthed because the power supply touches it (not a reliable earth
contact) - and potentially lethal should your "data arrestor" dump a
lightning strike to it....
Your locality may have specific legal requirements for connecting
electrical items (I don't know yours). Check with a local electrician -
who may then just fit a three-pin plug to your router and connected the
arrestor earth to the earth pin on the plug.
Cheers
--
Iceweasel/Firefox extensions for finding answers to Debian questions:-
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collections/Scott_Ferguson/debian/
Reply to: