Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

[GeckoGeek]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

Per the manual that came with my power conditioner:

That's nice. Given the amount of energy a failed/overloaded MOV may be required to dissipate, I doubt if what the shell is made of matters much. UL 1449 covers this situation, so I'd look for the UL label

This is something I have wondered about, when to replace a surge protector. Are the indicator lights of any use?

Typically when MOVs fail, they short out requiring something to open up. The light would indicate if that's happened. I suppose it's possible that it could fail in such a way as not to cause a "fail" indication, but a failed indicator is a clear sign it's time to buy a replacement. I can't say as I've seen very many power strips with that problem.

The joules rating for this APC part is 3020. The Belkin part I referred to previously ($25) is 4320j.

But joules is not the end-all be all rating, and there's a point of diminishing returns.

As it turns out, I noticed one of my surge suppressors was looking a bit ratty. It was old - home built in a time before you could easily buy them. And it was rusting. After looking at a few stores I ended up with a GE unit

3800 joules (more then adequate)
UL 1449 clamping voltage: 330V L-N, 400V N-G, L-G
Response time < 1nSec

All for $28 at wally world. They also carried the Monster brand, but it was all marketing and no specs on the box.

[anapuni808]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

ok - I just put this surge protector on order @ BestBuy. Would some of you experts please tell me what you think? Keep in mind that I don't have a "home theater", just a TV & DVD player and I have a laptop computer so I don't really need the UPS type of strip.

Thanks!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/360+Elec...ctor&cp=1&lp=2

[GeckoGeek]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/360+Elec...ctor&cp=1&lp=2

Not bad. I'd like to see a UL rating. It may have one, just not mentioned.

[anapuni808]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

what is the importance of the UL rating? I understand about UL approved but not the rating.

[GeckoGeek]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

what is the importance of the UL rating? I understand about UL approved but not the rating.

I'm not aware of a difference. Maybe just clumsy phrasing on my part. My main concern is that it doesn't catch fire if hit by a massive overload.

[matapule]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

Would some of you experts please tell me what you think?

I think this will do the trick for you.

[tutusue]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

ok - I just put this surge protector on order @ BestBuy. Would some of you experts please tell me what you think? Keep in mind that I don't have a "home theater", just a TV & DVD player and I have a laptop computer so I don't really need the UPS type of strip.

Thanks!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/360+Elec...ctor&cp=1&lp=2

FWIW, anapuni, it's in stock at the same price at amazon.com. Don't know how the shipping compares, tho'. It's $29.99 with free shipping if you're willing to wait.

[anapuni808]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

yes, i can see where that would be a major concern. i always turn off my power stips when there is an outage but if i'm not at home, i guess i would need to worry.

Tutu = thanks! I'll definitely check that out.

[anapuni808]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

I just cancelled my BestBuy order (total $43.18) and ordered a Belkin brand surge protector from Amazon ($28.77) with free shipping and its better for my purposes because the cord is 2 ft longer!

Thanks to TutuSue for saving me $$$$!!

[GregLee]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

I just cancelled my BestBuy order (total $43.18) and ordered a Belkin brand surge protector from Amazon ($28.77) with free shipping and its better for my purposes because the cord is 2 ft longer!

Thanks to TutuSue for saving me $$$$!!

This Belkin 4320j protector is one that I have and that I recommended previously. Seemed like a good deal, to me. I'm not sure it's different from the Best Buy one, except costing a little less and, as you note, having an 8' cord. I'm using it for a wine refrigerator that seems to have a rather delicate power supply, and so far, the fridge has continued to work through several power outages.

[anapuni808]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

I truly admire a man who has his priorities straight - gotta keep that wine frig working that would be mine too - if I had a wine frig!

[tutusue]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

I just cancelled my BestBuy order (total $43.18) and ordered a Belkin brand surge protector from Amazon ($28.77) with free shipping and its better for my purposes because the cord is 2 ft longer!

Thanks to TutuSue for saving me $$$$!!

Cool...now buy a nice bottle of wine with your savings!
You're welcome...from the FrugalTutu

[matapule]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

I'm using it for a wine refrigerator that seems to have a rather delicate power supply, and so far, the fridge has continued to work through several power outages.

Interesting! I have had my vast six bottle wine cooler in Mexico for about two years now. I had it plugged directly into an outlet. The power system in Mexico is notorious for delivering "dirty" power. Last week my vast six bottle wine cooler bit the dust. I will get another one, but I think I will plug it into a surge protector next time to save my investment.

This morning we had Father's Day brunch at our casa for a bunch of neighbors. I served Bellinis - champagne (Pol Remy Brut) with either peach or mango nectar. Mighty tasty!

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Voltage regulators and Uninterupted Power Supply

if your wine cooler is of the compressor type then accurate or somewhat accurate frequency is important. This is where a good line conditioner would better serve you as opposed to a surge protector.