surge protector says it's not grounded...

fowlwoman1

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there are 2 little indicator lights on the surge protector "protected" and "not grounded" and they are both on.
will the surge protector still protect if it's not grounded? I just want to know what risk I"m taking. I read the paper that came with it but it didn't explain much.
 
All I know is that if you use a 2-prong adapter on a 3-prong surge protector, it won't work. I think they have to match up. Maybe you have mixed types of plugs?
 
try a diff outlet, it sounds like the breaker that runs that circuit may not have a ground wire attached or the outlet may not have a ground wire, common in old homes
 
Check a different outlet and then a different circuit. If you don't have a problem with the second outlet or circuit, go buy an outlet checker/analyzer. The simple ones (<$5 last time I check, been a while) plug right into an outlet, and have three lights on them two yellow, one red. Both yellows should light up. If only one yellow, or the red light up, there is a code key on the unit that will tell you what the problem is. They are pretty idiot proof, to the point that I can even use it.
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If you feel comfey fixing the problem, great. If not call an electrician. The problem needs to be fixed regardless. It is possible you have a bad surge protector, it happens, and if you can determine your electric is okay, you can save yourself a service call or trying to fix something that is not even broken. I think everyone should own an outlet checker AND a multimeter, they are cheap, and can save your home, $$$, or even life.
 

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