Will a surge protector still work with out a grounded outlet?

[ripsnortMN]

Just what the title says guys. I have old style "two prong" non grounded outlets in my home. Will a surge protector still function with a cheater plug?

 

[gatchel]

It depends. Some surge protectors have a line to neutral, line to ground , and neutral to ground protection. If your outlets aren't grounded you may only benefit from the line to neutral protection if anything at all. I would recommend installing a whole house surge protector where there is a ground available (Hopefully at the main panel). This would provide you the most benefit.

 

[nehog]

Without a ground, the surge protector's ability to protect will be compromised. It will protect between hot to neutral surges, but not common mode to ground surges. But if you have no ground, then go for it...

 

[matt151617]

Have you tested to see if your boxes are grounded? Chances are they are grounded. If so, just attach a ground wire from the outlet to the box (they make short pigtails for this). Replace the outlet with a 3 prong one, simple as turning a screwdriver.