Issues with outlet, will surge protector offer ground?

Question

If I suspect I have a problem with a power outlet not being grounded will a surge protector ground the outlet and protect my devices plugged in? From what I know and understand about electricity a ground just offers the path of least resistance for electricty that is out of the ordianry. So, I dont think a surge protector would do the same thing a functioning ground on a outlet would do.

This isnt really a safety issue as much as a issue where I have gone through 2 computer power supplies in the last 6 months and I think the outlet is not grounded correctly and that is causing my issue.

Answer 1

Test the outlet. You can purchase a small outlet wiring tester at any hardware store for about $15.00. Plug it into the outlet and the lights will indicate correct or incorrect wiring. Also, look at the circuit breaker and see what the circuit is rated for. A computer with all the peripherals on one outlet can cause the current to fluctuate. A surge protector in an ungrounded outlet will only serve as an adapter for your three prong plugs.

Answer 2

You really need to test the receptacle. If it's a grounding receptacle outlet, it will have three holes for the plug. Two slot holes will be on the top and between and just below them you'll see a roundish hole, which is the ground. The slot hole on the left is the NEUTRAL, it's a little taller than the slot-hole on the right, which is the HOT (120 Volt). If you use a tester having a red lead and a black lead, you would stick the red lead in the right-hand (shorter) slot and the black lead in the roundish (ground) hole to see if the ground is functioning. Either the indicator light will come on, or the METER will indicate 120 volts A/C. You would need, of course, to have the meter set on A/C and in the range that would include NO LESS than 120 volts. They also make 3-prong testers that are about the size of a large plug and are usually colored red and have indicator lights that, if you read its directions, will tell you if you have a functioning ground. If your receptacle outlet only has 2 slots for the plug, then it's not grounded and you would have to test the Hot (shorter) slot against the little screw (metal) that holds the cover plate on the outlet. If that's the case, you can get an adapter down at the hardware store that has the three-prong receptacle holes on its front side, and only the two blades sticking out the other side which would then go into the two holes in the outlet. You'll see a little metal prong sticking down on the end that has the 2 blades sticking out. The little metal prong has a hole in it that will accept that screw which is holding on the cover plate. You would then add this adapter to your existing receptacle on the top set by removing the little screw (leaving the plate in place) and pushing the adapter into the slots as you would any plug, then re-secure the little screw through the hole in the prong and back into its position securing the plate. You would then have a grounded outlet receptacle. Re-test to be certain that the new ground is working, in the manner described above. If you're in doubt about this, then just ask the guy at the hardware store when you go to buy the adapter. It, despite my dissertation here, is really easy. Good luck---and be careful.

Answer 3

Take the cover off the outlet you suspect of not being grounded. See if there is a un-insulated or a green wire fastened to the box and to the outlet (has to be a 3 wire outlet). Sometimes it can come loose at either point. One can assume the ground wire coming to the box and then to the outlet is not broken some where along the line.

You shouldn't have your computer plugged directly in to an outlet any how. You should have it and all the peripherals (printer etc.) plugged in to a surge protector and then that plugged in to the outlet.

Answer 4

No it wouldn't. If you are concerned about safety you could do a GFCI. It detects a small amount of current flowing that doesn't match the amount returning and would cut off. If you are having flashing on your monitor, check your refresh rate, and if that doesn't work, you could run a wire like #14 to something that is grounded and connect it to the computer body or the surge suppressor

I don't think a faulty or even an absent ground would cause a burned out power supply. I would look for a loose connection. Does the plug fit tightly into the receptacle, not loose and sloppy (like my ex) anyways, Look for that. Do your lights dim when something kicks on like a washing machine or air conditioning? there could be a loose wire on the breaker, or the receptacle, or even the power pole. If it is a power quality issue, you should have a lot of light bulbs blowing. I would consider getting a ups, which will maintain a constant voltage. You could pick one up at a thrift store with dead batteries for $5 or so. Even with dead batteries, most will clean the power

Answer 5

A surge protector can't fake a real ground. It can remove some noise and such, and can remove spikes across the AC wires, but you really need the ground for things like lightning surges or ground faults to other devices.

Now it also depends on what you are trying to protect against. Water on the floor and you touch your device while standing in it - You will want a real ground.
Just noise from your computer, not so important, but it does help a lot.
Internet connection - what kind. Copper (telco, cable modem...) then ground is recommended, but the internet connection may provide one. If you got fiber, then you're pretty safe.

But really, not enough info.

Also, all surge protectors differ. You should post a web-link to the schematic for your surge protector.

Answer 6

no you need to add a ground wire