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Surge protectors...overrated?

M

Medellon

Senior member
How many people have actually had any equipment fried due to power spikes, brownouts, etc.? I have never known anyone to lose any equipment due to these causes and I think manufacturers exaggerate the seriousness of the situation to sell these overpriced items. I have them simply because I don't have enough outlets to plug all my stuff into. As far as cleaning up video, audio, and modem signals I really doubt you would be able to notice any difference. Thoughts?
 
My friend lost a hard drive due to either a brown out or some other electrical noise. The only think not plugged into a surge protector was his computer. 🙁 He learned his lesson.
 
my (good) VCR died because of a power spike
I have UPSs on all of my computers, so I don't have to worry about them too much
 
I agree they are overrated.

That doesn't mean they're not useful, but they are overrated.

You roll the dice, you take your chances...
 
Originally posted by: DanFungus
I have UPSs on all of my computers, so I don't have to worry about them too much
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i splurged and bought a APC 1500VA UPS for my main PC, two monitors, and my Projector and let me tell you that this was the best $200 I have ever spent. the software reported several different overvoltage spikes on my A/C line, and corrected them all.

this unit is so strong, I can plug two more PC's in and not have a problem.
 
Originally posted by: Medellon
I'm curious because Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City are always pushing these $100+ things.
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Thats that monster surge protector. Monster is overpriced and unnecessary.

The APC surge arrest retails for about $30-40 and I've been using it for 4 years.

But don't be fooled by the $25,000 warranty, you must have the receipts/invoices to all the products covered and you must prove that APC's equipment was at fault.
 
Originally posted by: Syringer
Is there a difference between the $5 kind and the $100 kind?
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yes there is a difference. those cheapie models will not correct the voltage if it goes under or over 120 volts. garbage in, garbage out.
 
I lost a TV because of a power surge. You can get a decent surge protector for under $20, its well worth it. They will even stop over-current. I know one time I was vaccuming, ran over the wire and the insulation peeled away. Luckily I had it in the surge protector so when the wire hit the carpet, the surge shut itself off. I don't want to know what would have happened,,,
 
In the past year, I had two TVs die (one twice!) due to power surges. I no longer consider Surge Protectors "overrated."

-Rob
 
Lost a HD due to a brownout.

Power went dim, then out.

Computer rebooted and nothing but garbage on the screen.

Learned to use UPSs from that point on. Not a fun lesson 🙁
 
I had a mobo and vid card die because of a brownout. First thing I bought was an APC UPS; before even a new mobo/vid card.
 
First of all, surge protectors are not overrated. About six years ago (when my dad still did the computer setup 😉), a nearby powerline was hit by lightning and fried one of our computers.

Originally posted by: Syringer
Is there a difference between the $5 kind and the $100 kind?
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Yes, the $100 kind are called line conditioners. Those are particularly useful if you have a crappy powerline. I have one and my system's stability went way up. If that's never a problem for you, you may not need it. Some of them have a backup power supply as well, which is sometimes useful.
 
I haven't had anything go out, but I always have my computer hooked up to at least a surge protector. The power around here really sucks, sometimes the tv will flicker or lights dim or go bright. I feel it is a worth while investment.
 
I used to make computer housecalls, and a large percentage of them (15-20%?) were dead mobos and computers because of surges. A lot of people buy brand new machines, but don't shell out $20 for a protector, and surges aren't covered by most warranties.
 
my apartment has some crappy wiring and combined with the draw my athlon has any storm that dims the lights will turn off that computer (other computers and digital clocks remain fine, tho) so i bought a UPS and its been fine.
 
Originally posted by: wyvrn
I used to make computer housecalls, and a large percentage of them (15-20%?) were dead mobos and computers because of surges. A lot of people buy brand new machines, but don't shell out $20 for a protector, and surges aren't covered by most warranties.
Click to expand...

Its considered an act of god so almost no warranty covers it. However, many service plans that stores offer do like Best Buy, Staples and the like..
 
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