AB ground plug

I thought I'd thought of everything before ordering my Alien Bees, but alas, I forgot that they'd come with a 3-prong cable. I live in Japan and use my new iMac with 3-prong adapter for the 2-prong sockets here without a problem. Does anyone know if it's likely to be a problem doing the same with the ABs, and if so, what do you recommend as a solution?
Thanks,
Chris

I seem to recall this coming up at least once before, several months ago.

My best memory is you should first try to find a convenient yet robust ground from some available fixture (like a metal water pipe) and create an adapter that feeds that into the mix.

If you have absolutely no way to get a ground such as an appropriate water pipe, then at least install a ground fault interrupt device (GFI) to plug into, so that if there is problem, this problem will only last for a part of a second (the time it takes for the GFI device to kick in).

But, consulting a sophisticated electrical contractor in your area is likely to produce a reasonable fix.

You may want to pound a bit on the search feature to make sure my memory is accurate.

Enjoy! Lon

A gfi and a ground have nothing to do with each other. A ground will help short any accidental current to ground and help save equipment. Pretty good idea to wire the adapter to a pipe. The gfi shuts down when there is .005 amps or more difference between the hot and the neutral which saves people. That is why they are required in bathrooms and within 6 feet of every water source. The ab will work just fine with out a ground but if you have a short it will not be as safe. In short try to ground it and skip the gfi. If you havent guessed I am a " sophisticated electrical contractor" during the day.

Good luck

Thanks for the info. I'm relieved to hear that I haven't just wasted a bundle of cash. I eventually found the other thread that discussed this too. As the ABs will be in a room dedicated as only my studio, with no water sources and no dogs, kids or other people living here I feel confident that things will be safe. I'm a fairly fastidious person so I'll be sure to keep an eye on the condition of all parts of the system too, which will further ensure safety.
Regards,
Chris

I highly encourage you to run a wire outside and attach to a pipe or a steak in the ground and drill a hole through the wall since its studio only. you can make it look good and protect your equipment even if it isnt the standard way of doing it. any questions pm me i will help you all i can. if we cant figure it out over internet send me a ticket and I will gladly fly over to help.

As I live in a rented apartment in an apartment building, drilling holes and running wires outside is definitely not an option. I've been running my computer on a 3-2 prong adapter for 8 years here without a problem. Are strobes more likely to be a problem because of their power? What are the possible dangerous results? A slight shock or a potentially life-threatening shock?