ECN Forum Forums Technical Discussion Electrical Theory and Applications Surge Supressor need a Ground?

Does a typical Surge supressor (power strip) need a ground to operate properly?

In other words, if it is plugged into a 3 prong (grounding-type) Receptacle, but there is no grouind (only 2 wire) will it work and protect from surges?

Bill

Bill,

I know I'm no expert on these, but I seem to remember that they do indeed need a ground to work. They shunt the overvoltage to ground, not the neutral.

I think I read it in a relatively recent Electrical Contractor Magazine ...

>Does a typical surge supressor (power strip) need a ground to operate properly?

Typical, probably yes. The better TVSSes don't and won't trip a GFCI.

Is it relavant that all Surge Suppresion are not created equal, there is H-N protection, and H-N&G protection?

Sparky,

The question arises in my mind if one of these cheaper surge surpressor power strips is really offering any protection on a 2 wire circuit.

Bill