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Mike Tomlinson

In article ,
en writes

I was going to ask whether this would help protect delicate components
in any way,

Yes, as the surge protector is working to some extent, but it would work
far more effectively if it were plugged into a grounded outlet.

There's also the problem that using a surge protector in an ungrounded
outlet will cause the earth on the protector to rise in potential while
the protector is conducting a surge. Depending on the equipment plugged
into that strip, this has the potential to cause damage, as well as an
electrical shock to anyone touching a metal-cased appliance with a 3-pin
lead plugged into the strip.

Thus surge protectors should only be plugged into grounded outlets.
There will usually be a warning on the protector itself or in the user
instructions stating this.

but of course, the neutral is earthed nearby anyways, and
the third earth wire is just a backstop?

No. The earth pin, although bonded to neutral at the consumer unit
(=breaker box in US) should be regarded as a separate, third connection
from then on. The neutral is there to carry return current; the earth
is there for safety.

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