Surge Protectors & UPS?!

mad0maxx

Senior member
Feb 3, 2006
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Hey can a surge protector go bad? I read an article a while back that stated everytime a surge protector took a surge the protector would weaken to the point where it would not protect the equipment on the surge protector anymore...

Also would you recommend getting a Surge Protector or a UPS for computer hardware and please recommend item or brand name thanks...

:)
 

mad0maxx

Senior member
Feb 3, 2006
814
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Originally posted by: woowoo
Originally posted by: mad0maxx
Hey can a surge protector go bad?
:)

Yes.
MOV's are one shot devices

What is a "MOV's"?

Also if they go bad why would anyone wanna spend more money on a UPS because would they not go bad as well? Or are they different from surge protectors?

Also when I say surge I mean like when a thunderstorm comes by power instantly shuts off or a or at random anytime a sudden drop in power for a split second causing all things power in the house to flicker.
 

imported_goku

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2004
7,613
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Originally posted by: mad0maxx
Originally posted by: goku
It's possible. Buy from APC and they've got a warranty on your stuff.

Would that be a surge protector or UPS?

APC sells anything that is power releated. Personally getting a UPS is always a better option because they have power correction to make sure your system isn't undervolted etc.
 

SuperSix

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,872
2
0
Originally posted by: mad0maxx
Originally posted by: woowoo
Originally posted by: mad0maxx
Hey can a surge protector go bad?
:)

Yes.
MOV's are one shot devices

What is a "MOV's"?

Also if they go bad why would anyone wanna spend more money on a UPS because would they not go bad as well? Or are they different from surge protectors?

Also when I say surge I mean like when a thunderstorm comes by power instantly shuts off or a or at random anytime a sudden drop in power for a split second causing all things power in the house to flicker.


Metal Oxide Varistors.

<------ General Hardware is that way.
 

woowoo

Platinum Member
Feb 17, 2003
2,092
1
0
Originally posted by: SuperSix
Originally posted by: mad0maxx
Originally posted by: woowoo
Originally posted by: mad0maxx
Hey can a surge protector go bad?
:)

Yes.
MOV's are one shot devices

What is a "MOV's"?

Also if they go bad why would anyone wanna spend more money on a UPS because would they not go bad as well? Or are they different from surge protectors?

Also when I say surge I mean like when a thunderstorm comes by power instantly shuts off or a or at random anytime a sudden drop in power for a split second causing all things power in the house to flicker.


Metal Oxide Varistors.

<------ General Hardware is that way.

Thank you.....
 

sixone

Lifer
May 3, 2004
25,030
5
61
Originally posted by: goku
It's possible. Buy from APC and they've got a warranty on your stuff.

Just be sure you know when that warranty ends. Then you can decide how much your ass is hanging out when it's gone...:p
 

Kaervak

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2001
8,460
2
81
Originally posted by: sixone
Originally posted by: goku
It's possible. Buy from APC and they've got a warranty on your stuff.

Just be sure you know when that warranty ends. Then you can decide how much your ass is hanging out when it's gone...:p

Also make sure whatever outlet you plug the UPS/Surge protector into is properly grounded. Looking over the warranty info from APC, if you don't have the outlet grounded, they will give you problems while trying to claim. If need be, have an electrician install a new grounded outlet.
 

imported_goku

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2004
7,613
3
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Originally posted by: Kaervak
Originally posted by: sixone
Originally posted by: goku
It's possible. Buy from APC and they've got a warranty on your stuff.

Just be sure you know when that warranty ends. Then you can decide how much your ass is hanging out when it's gone...:p

Also make sure whatever outlet you plug the UPS/Surge protector into is properly grounded. Looking over the warranty info from APC, if you don't have the outlet grounded, they will give you problems while trying to claim. If need be, have an electrician install a new grounded outlet.
You should have grounded outlets anyways as it's for safety.
 
Dec 10, 2005
27,983
12,533
136
Originally posted by: sixone
Originally posted by: goku
It's possible. Buy from APC and they've got a warranty on your stuff.

Just be sure you know when that warranty ends. Then you can decide how much your ass is hanging out when it's gone...:p

They may have warranties, but they may give you a hard time when the time comes to hand out money for damaged equipment.
 

Jawo

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2005
4,125
0
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I would say UPS...I got one last year for christmas and its one of the best things I've gotten for my computer! Great for when the power flickers, but not for extended blackouts. I have a APC BR 800 and it works great...can power my rig with 380W PS, 2005FPW, and a PentiumIII rig for about 25 minutes.
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
2,161
126
Something I've read also is that if there is a light on your power strip and it is flickering or out, replace the strip.