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Thread ID: 80055	2007-06-10 00:15:00	Surge Protection	Winston001 (3612)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
557812	2007-06-10 09:42:00	A problem with surge protectors is that they don't "divert" the energy of a surge. They absorb it. The commonly used "MOV" non-linear resistors deteriorate each time they are hit and will not last forever. It's usually impossible to tell when a protector is no longer giving any protection. A major surge will explode the components, so that's visible if you open the unit. I suppose a really big surge might burst the case. ;) But there might be other indications that such a surge has occurred. Some have a pilot light which is alleged to show that the unit is functional. I don't know how reliable the indication is. suppose any suppressor is better than none. But they are like locks as burglar prevention. If a lightning strike wants to zap your computer, it can. :D Yes nearly all use MOV's The only company that doesn't is Surgex from the USA. They have a patented Series Mode® technology is superior to conventional MOV circuitry. see www.surgex.com	wmoore (6009)
557813	2007-06-10 10:27:00	Hi To answer your question there is a few things you need to understand . 1 . SPIKES and SURGES are temporary increases in voltage . A Spike lasts less than three billionths, (3 nanoseconds) of a second . A Surge lasts three billionths of a second or more . 2 . Most Surge Protectors available in New Zealand use METAL OXIDE VARISTORS, (MOV'S) . These are great but are not bulletproof and will break down after a while . These do not absorb the Spikes or Surges but divert them to ground . 3 . Surge Protectors are not created equal . All MOV's look like a round component, (normally blue), with wires attached . This does not indicate the switching speed, maximum voltage before breakdown etc . 4 . Cheap ones use a single MOV while more expensive ones use a more than one . 5 . The more expensive Surge Protectors also use TOROIDAL CHOKES . These are coils of wire around a magnetic former . Their purpose is to condition the power supply thereby feeding a more constant voltage to your gear . 6 . The Manufacturers Insurance is a good indication of the confidence in his product . Don't buy one without it . 7 . Whilst lightning and power cuts are sources of Surges and Spikes, they tend to be in the extreme . Domestic heavy appliances, such as ovens, washing machines etc switching on and off are another source . Make no bones about it . These are doing your gear harm too but more slowly . 8 . The more expensive ones also incorporate a backup FUSE . This is not a thermal cutout or a piece of wire . They use a RESISTOR . This burns out if the MOV's are unable to complete the job, thereby saving anything connected to the Surge Protector . The Resistor is monitored by LED/S thereby giving a good indication of protection . 9 . The more expensive ones also have more than one plug outlet . This allows you to protect more than one piece of equipment, ie a computer, printer, modem etc . 10 . The more expensive Surge Protectors also protect your computer gear from Surges and Spikes on the telephone wire . 11 . Do they work? They certainly do . We had a branch fall across our power line . All my gear hooked to Surge Protectors survived . Stuff like a microwave oven and a cellphone charger were stuffed . Both were plugged in directly but weren't in operation a the time . The fridge threw the towel in too . Neighbors in the area were affected in a similar way . 12 . Finally, the more expensive Surge Protectors will self-sacrifice if need be . This is not a design fault but is by design . What is more expensive to replace your computer gear or the Surge Protector? That said, what Surge Protector should you buy? Answer: The most expensive one you can afford . You can't afford anything less!! BURNZEE BORN TO FISH FORCED TO WORK!!	Burnzee (6950)
557814	2007-06-10 10:43:00	nicly put :) tho telephone protectors are another kettle of fish ;)	tweak'e (69)
557815	2007-06-10 11:14:00	nicely put ? Burnzee says pay heaps and you've already said "some expensive ones are simply there to make more $$ for the company . i pulled apart a locally made one and it was joke . $150 product with the internals of a $10 one " "The Manufacturers Insurance is a good indication of the confidence in his product . Don't buy one without it . " When you search on this aspect you'll probably find comment like this (my bolding) "First let me state that none of the manufacturers or vendors of point-of-devices (Belkin, APC, Triplite, Monster, Panamax, etc . ) would've made good on an attached equipment warranty unless the unit itself was damaged in some way . Even then it is at their discretion and you bear much of the time and cost in substantiating your claim . Their payout is typically cents on the dollar . In other words, it's a useless warranty and you'd be far better served by locating and obtaining home or renter's insurance that protects you for full replacement costs . "	PaulD (232)
557816	2007-06-10 11:29:00	And there I was thinking I would be able to go to bed smug in the satisfaction that I had learned something, But no, Just more conflicting information.:xmouth::horrified:D I will make note that when I had the shop the majority of people that brought in "smoked" PC's claimed to have it plugged into a surge protector at the time, many of these were shown to me and had obvious signs of damage. And if one person brought in a PC I would normally get 3 or 4 others brought in from the same immediate area. Personally I reckon if it gets past your fuse board then good luck expecting it to give up before it gets to your PC. And speaking of minor surges/spikes, in the last place I lived at I had the PC plugged into the same socket as a 20 year old fridge, every time the old girl rattled into life it would leave a shocking audio disruption in whatever MP3 I happened to be downloading at the time....	Metla (12)
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