GFCI, Surge Protector, Grounding Probe Question

[manny]

I got an electrical question for all you electric savvy people out there. I got a surge protector, a heavy duty GFCI cord w/ 3 outlets, and a grounding probe and I was just wondering if there is a certain order I should plug them in. Right now I have my grounding probe plugged directly into my wall socket and my lights and a couple powerheads plugged into my surge protector. I wanna connect the GFCI cord so do I plug it into my surge protector, or do I plug the surge protector into one of the outlets in the GFCI???

[JimD]

A word of caution if the GFI is one thats portable, most will not reset after a power outage. One thats permanent, in the wall is much more desirable. GFI > Surge device > Ground probe can be connected anywhere theres a common ground.
Also, theres some confusion when it comes to powerstrips and surge protectors, not all powerstrips are surge protectors, if in fact you want a surge protector and not just a strip, make sure and read the notations on the strip, it will indicate either way.

[manny]

I hadn't thought about the power outtage thing. I guess I'll be returning my portable GFIs to Home Depot. Since I live in an apartment, you think they'll replace my regular outlets with GFIs? Also, Jim are you saying I can plug the Ground Probe into my surge protector?

[Henry]

Manny, I also live in an apartment. I'm having the same problem. I talked with my apartment ppl and they said either I could do it or the maintence guy would do it. So it doesn't hurt to ask. I don't have a grounding probe, but I think you should be fine plugging that into the surge protector.

[Andrew]

Most Plug in gfci should be plugged directly into wall, package should tell you what you can/can't do.

a.