Does my VGA monitor need an isolation transformer?

[AlanS17]

Yes, it's probably a stupid question, but I really don't know. I don't even know what an isolation transformer actually does.

I know most arcade monitors need them. Does that apply to most VGA universal mount monitors, too? Would it hurt to put one on a monitor that doesn't need it? What would happen if I didn't put one on and it did need it?

And finally... If I do need one, can anyone make a recommendation on a new one at a good price?

[AndyWarne]

PC monitors don't need them.
The reason why older arcade monitors need isolating transformers is that they were based on older TV designs. As older TVs never had anything plugged into them (except the antenna which is easy to isolate) the designers connected the chassis to the line cord, which makes for a cheaper design as a simple power supply circuit could be used. But arcade monitors do have external connections and therefore it is essential the chassis is grounded. This can only be done if an isolating transformer is fitted which decouples the chassis from the line cord, allowing it to be grounded.
As PC monitors always had something connected, they have always had isolation built into the power supply, as does pretty much all other electronic equipment, including modern arcade monitors.
Andy

[MonitorGuru]

Check the FAQ for the info about what an ISO is.  In essence, it creates a 1:1 energy supply that is isolated from earth ground.  (Basically turns your power source into a "battery" that has no relation to earth, meaning any voltage supplied by it has no need to find the shortest path to earth ground to complete the circuit).

In fact, if every home had an isolation transformer before the fuse/circuit breaker box, there is no way you could electrocute yourself by simply touching *ONE* of the terminals in an outlet while also grounding yourself. Of course a 200 amp isolation transformer for every house is unrealistic and also a huge power waste.  (There would be virtually no need for Ground Fault Interrupt outlets then).

Therefore to answer your other question... no.. there is absolutely nothing wrong with adding an isolation transformer to equipment that doesn't need it/already has one in it. The only thing you'll do is use a bit more electricity and generate a bit more heat.

[AlanS17]

The two of yall have been very helpful. I don't think I'll be needing one after all. But just in case I feel like I'm going to want one for safety's sake, I know that adding one won't hurt. I have a couple of spares lying around. (Well, I have a couple of spares in machines I likely won't be using.)

[Thenasty]

(Well, I have a couple of spares in machines I likely won't be using.)

hmmmmm....I'm looking forward for it here 

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,36570.0.html

[AlanS17]

(Well, I have a couple of spares in machines I likely won't be using.)

hmmmmm....I'm looking forward for it here