[ProAudio] Proper Grounding Replies

[Scott Dorsey]

If you have outlets that are not grounded, install a GFI.  This gives you
all of the safety benefits of grounding, and it allows you to plug grounded
devices into the outlets legally.

If you put a three-prong outlet into the wall without grounding the third
pin, this is a code violation and you will find that your insurance will
not cover electrical damage (even if it's not related to the grounding
issue).  Installing a GFI makes it legal and safe.

I suggest installing a GFI in every outlet box and pigtailing them instead
of putting one in the circuit and leaving the other outlets downstream to
be protected by one GFI.  It is legal to do that, but GFIs are cheap and
the added cost is not great.  It is no fun to be hunting for a GFI somewhere
else in the house which popped.

Now, do be aware that although you get the safety benefits of grounding
you don't get the noise benefits of grounding with the GFI.  So it is
still maybe worth the trouble to pull a couple isolated ground circuits
for audio equipment, laser printers, and the like.
--scott