The purpose of the ground plug is to return a fault current, such as a live wire touching the equipment chassis within, back to the panel. This does two things: it reduces the chance of shock or worse, and it enables the circuit breaker to trip - possibly preventing a fire. Whether you disable it to get rid of a ground loop is your choice. But there is a potential danger present, just like not wearing seatbelts - no problem as long as you don't hit a tree.
Amp Ground Plug - Safe to Remove?
I've just purchased a new Arcam system, including a two-channel power amp for my rear speakers. Straight away, I got a bad humming noise through the rear speakers. I tried swapping ICs, moving things around, disconnecting the tv cable etc but nothing fixed it.
I live in Australia and the power cord for the amp has a three prong plug, one of which being the ground. I've removed the ground plug using a pair of pliers and voila, the hum has gone. My question is, is this a safe thing to do? The idea of touching the power button and receiving 230 volts is not too appealing.
If it's not a good idea, is there anything else I should try? It only the rear speakers and the Arcam amp that are affected. I use monoblocks on the front three channels and they have no problem.
I live in Australia and the power cord for the amp has a three prong plug, one of which being the ground. I've removed the ground plug using a pair of pliers and voila, the hum has gone. My question is, is this a safe thing to do? The idea of touching the power button and receiving 230 volts is not too appealing.
If it's not a good idea, is there anything else I should try? It only the rear speakers and the Arcam amp that are affected. I use monoblocks on the front three channels and they have no problem.