Monitoring power out of the wall outlet

[Bugler]

Sometimes our computers or monitors here at work are affected by current dips and surges. I was curious if there is a device on which we could monitor and time record these current dips and surges, out of the wall outlet, but before it its a computer or monitor device. Basically, a pass thru monitor.


Thanks

 

[Zepper]

Sounds like time to get some UPS! Your local power supplier should be willing to put a recorder on your power for a day or two - maybe more. It records all anomalies on your power line on strip-chart paper.
.bh.

 

[Bugler]

Thank you Zepper.

Anyone else know of other options?

 

[Zepper]

Power anomalies are generally independent of the local load - so the Pass thru idea is unnecessary. the Power Quality tester/recorder mentioned above is the proper equipment - but they are generally too expensive for individuals or small businesses to keep one on hand for only occasional use. Like I said, call your power company and have them put one in your office for a few days (you may be able to arrange for a longer period). They usually don't charge for it.
. There are inexpensive power testers (see my review of one here: Kill A Watt ). But they don't do everything you want. As they have no internal power, they can't hold readings over a true dropout.
.bh.

 

[Boobers]

My UPS system has a serial connection I can hook up to my computer, so I can monitor line voltage over any length of time. It does data logging and you can save or print the results. You might want to check out a quality UPS system that has this feature.

Remember, though, that there are many other power problems besides dip and surge, such as power factor instability caused by the guy a few houses down using his arc welder!