2 to 3 prong adapter with iMac

[thopunk]

I just moved into a new apartment and it has a bunch of 2 prong outlets. is it okay to use a 2 to 3 prong adapter with the imac? my macbookpro adapter has a 2 prong out (as well as the 3 prong on the extension)... it thought it would be okay for the imac. i have it hooked into a surge protector then into the wall (it is the only thing plugged in to the 6 outlet surge though). let me know. thanks!

 

[mooncaine]

Good question. I don't know, but I'm curious to know.

 

[gauchogolfer]

My apartment also has nothing but 2-prong outlets. I bought adaptors that convert from 2->3, and you simply screw in the faceplate through a grounding tab on the adaptor. This should be fine for your application. My electronics have been fine running on this. Just make sure that you are well grounded.

 

[BikeSDP]

I'm not an electrician. First check to see if the outlet has a metal box and it's grounded. If so, you should be able to get an adapter that can tie into the ground circuit. I think something like this should do it using the same screw that holds the wall plate:

 

[thopunk]

thats what i have. i need to see if there is a metal box around the actual outlet... what if there isnt?

 

[BikeSDP]

thats what i have. i need to see if there is a metal box around the actual outlet... what if there isnt?

I'm still not an electrician. Ideally the box should be grounded but i guess that would depend on how old the system is. At the very least the bare ground wire coming into the box should be connected to the outlet.
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/elect/repairs/outlet/replace.htm

 

[CashGap]

Buy a tester like this at any hardware store, should be under $10.

Attach the three prong adapter using the screw into the faceplate. Plug the tester into the adapter.

If the tester indicates a problem, have the property owner repair the unsafe outlet promptly.

As to why the portable AC to DC MagSafe adapter does not require a third ground prong but the internal AC power supply in your iMac does... it's a long story, the folks over at IEEE.org would be happy to share the details.