Computing Devices With 2 Prong Outlets

When you have a computing device that has a 2 prong outlet (for example, a modem, a router, or certain computers such as the Mac Mini), what are some reasonable things to plug it into? Directly into the wall, into surge protector, into UPS.

Does the answer change at all if the modem or router, mentioned in the previous paragraph, is then connected to a computer with a cat5/ cat5e/ cat6 cable?

 

I plug all my network devices into my UPS along with my computer and monitors. This way, my network stays up in the event of a power outage too. And if I quickly shutdown my power hogs (the computer itself and my two monitors) my UPS will keep my network alive for several hours. This allows my my cell phone and other battery operated wireless devices to stay connected via wifi.

Being 2 prong makes no difference. Plus it is likely those two prong connectors are polarized (they can only go in one way). If not, it does not matter anyway. They are not high wattage or high voltage power supplies.

The type of Ethernet cable is irrelevant.

 

But let's say that someone doesn't want to make the investment in a UPS for those devices. What would be their next best option?

I mentioned the network cables because I was reading that those can transmit energy (for example to a computer that's behind a UPS).

 

A "good" surge and spike protector - not a cheap one. But there really is no comparison. Surge and spike protectors are little more than fancy and expensive extension cords as they do nothing for low voltage events like dips (opposite of spikes), sags (opposite of surges) or brownouts (long duration sags). And for excessive surges and spikes, they simply shut off power (if working properly), crashing your computer - never good.

Also, for a surge and spike protector to be most effective, they need to dump the excess voltage Earth ground. A "good" UPS can dump that into the batteries which are quite capable of absorbing that without damage.

 

With standby UPSs (vs line-interactive and online ones), it doesn't give good protection against the power dipping because the UPS doesn't switch over to its battery supply fast enough.
Also, if there is a power surge, you are heavily relying on a true grounded outlet (not a GFCI) to dissipate the power (as is the case with a spike & surge protector [without a battery]).

 

But when you plug in a 2 prong cord to a surge and spike protector, does it really do anything? Wouldn't the electronic equipment's cord need to have a 3rd prong?

Ok, so this is a way to handle the excess power, absent the 3rd prong?

 

Surge and spike protectors use several different components and techniques to suppress surges and spikes. MOV devices will absorb most without having the 3rd wire - dissipating the excess in the form of heat. But for excessive surges and spikes, the MOV is designed to shunt that excess to Earth ground. If not present, you are right and they don't do anything. Hopefully, in those cases, the surge and spike protector will simply "break" the circuit preventing that excess to pass through. That should prevent damage to the connected devices from the excessive surge and spike but of course, suddenly killing power to a hard drive can result in file corruption.

Yes, to a point. Even an UPS will use Earth ground for excessive anomalies if possible. And if Mother Nature decides to throw a lightning bolt directly at you, nothing will help.

The bottom line and goal is to have a decent size "good" UPS with AVR connected to a properly wired wall outlet that has excellent continuity to Earth ground. Anything less is a compromise.