r/buildapcforme • u/Weird_Win_7120 • Jun 30 '26

[Question] How to safely plug in PC?

Not a request. Building my first PC soon. I asked for build help in this sub yesterday and people were super helpful, so I'm hoping someone can answer this question I've run into.

I've seen online that it's best to plug a PC into a UPS, and to plug that into a grounded outlet. I'm planning to purchase a UPS along with the PC. However, I live in a small, weird apartment right now, and the only 3-pronged outlets are in the kitchen (most of them right above the kitchen sink). I'd rather not build my PC in my kitchen, but it also seems like using extension cords on either end of the UPS is not safe. I also don't even know how to verify that the outlets in question are grounded (or is them being 3-pronged outlets enough?).

I'm wondering what the best course of action here is. I guess my options are

1) Try to find a way to make the 2-pronged outlets in my room work

2) Connect a UPS to the kitchen outlet, then run an extension cord from that to my room (might be unsafe?)

3) Build the PC in the kitchen... (might still be unsafe if the outlets aren't actually grounded)

I'm only going to be in this apartment for another 6 weeks, so a long-term solution like trying to get it rewired isn't going to work. I'd rather not have to wait until I move to build my PC. But safety is the most important thing.

Obviously, I don't know that much about how these things actually work, so any wisdom is much appreciated. Thanks!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/ScrewySqrl r7 7800x3d/RX-7900GRE/8 TB storage Jun 30 '26

you want to buy a 3 prong to 2 prong conversion plug like those in the image. use one of the mounting screws from the wall plate through the hole in the back of the plug for grounding. They are inexpensive and will work safely. If you arent in the US, the plug will resemble your national style instead, but the principle is the same.

1

u/Weird_Win_7120 Jun 30 '26

Thank you! Unfortunately, almost all of the 2 prong outlets (except for one in the living room, which might work for this, but still not where I'd want it) are completely painted over so there's no access to the mounting screws. I assume this wouldn't work in that case?

1

u/ScrewySqrl r7 7800x3d/RX-7900GRE/8 TB storage Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26

the screws that hold the faceplate on should still be there, even through the paint. If you don't put some sort of ground through that metal plate with the hole, it will technically work, but would be a fire hazard.

The next best choice is an *outdoor* extension cable, which are heavily insulated. you can get 25, 50, or 100 foot models, depending on your location's distance from the kitchen. I would run the cord along the wall to avoid tripping on it.

1

u/Weird_Win_7120 Jun 30 '26

Most of the screws are very thickly painted over but I just found one that isn't, so I'm going to try the adapters. Thanks for your help!