Surge Protectors

I could argue that do you really need one at all, I have never used a surge protector but I also live where the electrical supply is 100% good with no fluctuations. Also lightening is quite a rare occurence and when it looks that way I will disconnect but if you have dodgy supplies and frequent storms then that one will offer basic protection.
 
I just use a basic zip strip which protects from your normal issue but I never needed a bulky one. Way I see it is if lightning hits that wont protect your stuff anyways :P I have $10,000 insurance on mine as well (lightning valid as well).
 
All of those cheaper surge suppressors are going to use Metal-Oxide Varistors, which will start to degrade after suppression of a few large surges. Most cheaper surge suppressors are about equal. I've not heard of that company (hypertec) before in the area of surge suppressors, so i'm not really sure on how high quality it is.If I was in the market for a surge suppressor in that price range, i would probably go with at least a known name such as huntkey:
http://www.shoppingsquare.com.au/p_83625_Huntkey_8_Way_Surge_Protector_Power_Board_8_Port_Protection

For (direct) Lightning strikes, surge suppressors are almost worthless. Electricity is going to take the path of least resistance to the ground, but some of that surge is going to go through the computer as well. Even a high end surge suppressor utilizing a gas-discharge tube provides limited protection in the event of a direct strike, and for a suppressor to fully handle such an event, you need to ensure that all lines going into or connected to the pc are on the same surge suppressor (Displays, Network Connections, Printers, etc).
 
bomberboysk said:
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I always thought surge suppressors where there to act as insurance. That is to say, if a surge comes, goes through their suppressor and ruins your stuff; the surge suppressor company would be the liability. Which leads to my point being, the innerds don't matter so much as the brand must be reliable and reputable.

Or am I looking at it the wrong way :)?
 
Your right. but i do have Belkins (3) of them. Your choice. Belkin does have a policy for i think 10,000. Never the less if you get hit with a million volt lightening strike it will be your nightmare. Surges i get. if loss of power. Lightening not likely, its all underground cable. no poles above ground. Now Belkin for me is battery backup mostly for loss of power. You can buy good suppressors on a power strip that work well. On another note: If you lose power i would shut down and knock out breakers. thats me. living room lights or bedroom so i know. then close breakers one at a time. protect fridge, micorowave, tv etc.
 
kobaj said:
I always thought surge suppressors where there to act as insurance. That is to say, if a surge comes, goes through their suppressor and ruins your stuff; the surge suppressor company would be the liability. Which leads to my point being, the innerds don't matter so much as the brand must be reliable and reputable.

Or am I looking at it the wrong way :)?
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Due to the way Metal-Oxide varistors work, they tend to degrade. Most companies even claim that their units are not designed to protect against direct strikes, and the ones with protected equipment warranties usually will tell you "If the device was working and used properly it would not have failed". Surge suppressors ARE "insurance" against indirect strikes, but the only way to protect yourself from a direct strike is through removing all hardwired connections to the equipment (phone/coaxial/ethernet/mains/etc).
 
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