Power surges/damaging hardware

[archcommus]

I have an external drive that I backup data to. Is it really necessary to unplug it from data and power every time I'm done with it in the event a surge happens? Or is it EXTREMELY unlikely that a surge (if one even happened) would get through my 3800 joule surge protector and damage it?

 

[archcommus]

Any thoughts here?

 

[ExpertNovice]

Originally posted by: archcommus
I have an external drive that I backup data to. Is it really necessary to unplug it from data and power every time I'm done with it in the event a surge happens? Or is it EXTREMELY unlikely that a surge (if one even happened) would get through my 3800 joule surge protector and damage it?

FYI: I'm not qualified to answer your quesiton so be sure to be sure to listen to everyone else.

We get "frequent" spikes and surges at our home. We are not using high speed suppressors but our electronics seem to have been protected by UPS and spike/surge supressors we use. The UPS on this system is an OptiUPS PowerES 1400ES.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: ExpertNovice

Originally posted by: archcommus
I have an external drive that I backup data to. Is it really necessary to unplug it from data and power every time I'm done with it in the event a surge happens? Or is it EXTREMELY unlikely that a surge (if one even happened) would get through my 3800 joule surge protector and damage it?

FYI: I'm not qualified to answer your quesiton so be sure to be sure to listen to everyone else.

We get "frequent" spikes and surges at our home. We are not using high speed suppressors but our electronics seem to have been protected by UPS and spike/surge supressors we use. The UPS on this system is an OptiUPS PowerES 1400ES.

Hmm, okay, thanks.

Anyone else?

 

[pkme2]

Quite a few years back, even with surge protectors in place, I had a power outage at my home. When the power was restored a sudden power spike burnt out my 2 computers. The power company told me they were only responsible up to the power meter and anything beyond that was mine. They said that in event of a power outage, it was my responsibility to turn off the power switch to the delicate electronics to avoid any potential damage. After that, one doesn't have to a rocket scientist to figure what is necessary to protect one's computer systems.

Since then, I have used a power line regulator with UPS Backup. In between, are my power consoles that I use to control all my connections (surge protectors), for each computer system.

Last month, I had about 5 power outages due to the heavy rainfall and lightening in Hawaii. Many of my neighbors had the usual computer problems associated with power spikes. Costco sold out their e-Machine stock. The enlightened people also bought out the available VAR UPS versions on Maui.

I use CyberPower VAR 1250, and an EPD Line Stat/APC 650 UPS, for my rigs. Costco had the Cyberpower version and sold out immediately. Guess Mauians got smarter. It had to take sudden line surges and the aftermath to wisen people up.

If you are fortunate to have a separate circuit for your computer rig, well no problem at all. But, most of us aren't. I suggest you checkout a VAR UPS Backup immediately. Its your choice......