Quote:
Originally Posted by fossil112
you are correct. most receivers don't have a 3rd prong, because it's not really needed. however, it's not safe to say that the receiver isn't grounded because it's lacking a prong.
the 2nd and 3rd prong are the ground and the neutral of the circuit. they physically tie together back at the main service panel of his apt complex. typically, only motors and surge protectors have the 3rd prong, so a fault current on the neutral can be detected, which would cause the breaker to trip (so long as it's a GFCI breaker or outlet).
you'll often see 3rd prongs on equipment that has a heavy current draw (like microwaves), or equipment that runs a chance of accidental unbalanced motor loads (like your vaccuum cleaner).
so long as his apt complex has their installation per code (God willing  ) he should be in good hands.
you brought out a very good topic! |
You are correct, the neutral and ground wires are connected at the main panel,
But the neutral wire only serves one purpose, it is basically the ground wire for the electrical circuit, that is its one and only job,
The neutral wire does not ground electrical appliances, if this was the case, in the event of a short curcuit, you could touch your receiver and get zapped,
Also, if this was the case, when there is a voltage imbalance, such as in a milti-wire circuit, there is current flowing on the neutral wire, so all that current would then be flowing through the casing of your reciever, and the sheilding of your cables, this would cause a static picture on your tv, and possibly even fry your switches or lnbs