Can damage from a electrical surge be delayed?

fireberd · 27 Sep 2014

That is why I have UPS instead of surge protectors on my equipment and HD TV.

bigmck · 27 Sep 2014

fireberd said:

That is why I have UPS instead of surge protectors on my equipment and HD TV.

How do they differ in straight protection. Aren't the UPS just a surge protector with a battery backup?

Ztruker · 27 Sep 2014

Depends on the kind of UPS, Standby or Continuous. See here: HowStuffWorks "How does a computer's uninterruptible power supply (UPS) work?"

Ranger4 · 27 Sep 2014

Leaving electrical devices on, such as computers, TVs, etc., when you are not actually using them certainly raises the risk of electrical surges & lightning strikes nearby causing damage. This is due to the fact that the longer they are actually on, the higher the likelihood.
I always turn such equipment off when I am not using them. This also saves money as they are not using standby power & the risk off a possible fire starting due to a fault developing when no one is there, such as when asleep at night, is virtually eliminated.

LMiller7 · 28 Sep 2014

For most electronic devices turning them off provides little protection from power spikes, such as from lightning strikes nearby. During thunderstorms the best protection is to pull the plug on the device.

groze · 28 Sep 2014

bigmck said:

None of them are going to replace that $1000 TV that gets blown out. There is a limit on the claims. The expensive one I bought has a $400 limit on claims. If you buy a $20 one, the claim limit will be lower. I wouldn't expect a small purchase to replace an expensive item fully. If your car gets a short in the wiring and burns up, the insurance company will not buy you a new car.

LMiller7 said:

For most electronic devices turning them off provides little protection from power spikes, such as from lightning strikes nearby. During thunderstorms the best protection is to pull the plug on the device.

bigmck,
I am not saying you are wrong but I never heard of a surge protector that only offers $400 protection. Even the cheap ones here in my area offer at least $1,000 some offer more. Check your wal-mart in the computer area, you will see surge protectors that offer protection for at least $1,000

Lmiller
The reason that doesn't work, is because power is still going to the computer or other device for the instant on feature. Also, remember to unplug Ethernet and any other modem connections if any. Also remember to do the same for your printer.

Ranger4 · 28 Sep 2014

When I posted that I turn those devices off, I mean they are turned off at the wall outlet, so they are not getting any power.
When there are storms about I unplug them from the wall outlet.
I also use a surge protection board & a UPS as well. All devices associated with the computer are powered from the one wall outlet, so turning it off or unplugging disconnects everything.