Surge Protector

[Michael]

Is there any real reason to buy one of the higher end/UPS surge protectors?

I am having the local home theatre store install some in-wall speakers for me and to set up the cabling and such for my system.

The have recommended a $300 UPS-based surge protector and i think that is crazy when my receiver is an Onyo SR-606 and my plasma is a good 50" Panasonic, but it isn't like I couldn't easily replace it for less that $2K.

I think they're trying to sell me a higher margin item and that my decent quality surge protector I already own should be fine.

Michael

 

[Apex]

Nah, totally unnecessary.

If you're totally paranoid and live in a home, get a surge protector that attaches to your panel. They're about $75.

If not and you still want to get a really REALLY good unit, get a non-MOV based surge protector from brickwall or zerosurge.

 

[Modelworks]

Really depends on the area you live in. If you live in a high lightning area like Florida or an area that has lots of routine power problems, like I do , then it might be worth a look. A UPS can really help with riding out voltage sags and spikes that don't trigger most surge protectors.

 

[sivart]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Really depends on the area you live in. If you live in a high lightning area like Florida or an area that has lots of routine power problems, like I do , then it might be worth a look. A UPS can really help with riding out voltage sags and spikes that don't trigger most surge protectors.

What they said...if your electricity is stable, probably overkill. If you live in area that is prone to lightning strikes and bad power (I.e. rural area) then it may be worth it to give you a chance to properly power down your devices during a surge / brown-out.

 

[Tiamat]

I got some solid units from Tripplite. They are unbreakable. I think it is the Isobar8

 

[Rubycon]

Most electronic equipment already has decent filtering/spike protection.

A UPS is a good idea with HID illuminated PJ/DLP sets so the bulb can cool down with the fan instead of a sudden power off although it's debatable if this really is of concern. We run some expensive PJs and would never allow them to be powered off in that fashion, however.

 

[puffywulf]

Like the previous posts, unless you're in an area where there is frequent lightning strikes or just inefficient power, there really is no need to install a $300 UPS. It's just overkill. But, if you do need to spend the money, you can actually get ones a lot cheaper elsewhere. I purchased a fairly cheap one for around 60 something at PI Manufacturing. It did have overload, short circuit, etc. so it fitted my bill, even though I was only using it to keep my routers active at all times.