Surge Protector Issues

[rodan]

A surge protector has a short life( 2 to 3 years) from what I'm reading. As surges hit the protector, it diminishes the protectors ability to protect, wearing out. Q1) Is it possible for a surge protector, that has been hit by more than a few surges, to actually damage the equipment that is connected to it? In other words, if I hook up a brand new computer, is it possible it could be damaged, because I plugged it in a surge protector that has no resistance left in it?

 

[Antoneo]

It is definitely possible which is why you should invest in a decent one (I use APC) that has an indicator of its protection status.

 

[rodan]

Along the same subject, I'm in the process of helping a friend of my sister's make a "claim", to Belkin, on computer equipment damaged because a surge got past it. Has a $ 20,000 equipment warranty on it. It has little joule rating, ( 720 joules ) compared to surge protectors you can now buy for less than $ 25.00. She paid 35.00 for it, with tax, a bit over a year ago.
Belkin customer service sent her a claim form to fill out, she got a paid estimate from the local computer shop...., one issue on this that bugs me..........., she had one of those "ground prong converters" to allow her to connect the 3 prong surge protector, to her two prong electrical outlet, she lives in an older house.
I'm no electrician, but, I'm betting it was not properly grounded, and, that may have an issue with why the surge protector did not stop the surge.( It was lightning, though, and, that's hard for any surge protectors to stop.