Does surge protector need a grounded outlet in order to work?

[Anonymous user]

for some reason i believe my house isnt not grounded, the building was done in the 80s so its not that old. But whenever i plug the surge protector or anything into the outlet a slight spark occurs once. This happens whenever replugging. And the light indicator for ground is off. Also its 2 prong outlets as thats the case for every house in the country. I have talked to electricians about whether my house is grounded or not and they seem to either not understand or shrug it off for some reason. Anyway about that surge protector, is it doing its job even when things arent grounded?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

i assume you see the site wiring fault LED lit as well? most surge protectors work by shunting a surge to ground and if it can't, it will try to sacrifice itself to save any attached equipment. so yes, these should be connected to a properly grounded outlet to function 100%.