info-mac@utcsrgv.UUCP (info-mac) (06/27/84)
Date: Mon 25 Jun 84 20:52:41-PDT From: Richard Furuta <uw-beaver!Furuta@LOCAL> Subject: surge protectors? To: info-mac@SUMEX-AIM.ARPA Cc: Furuta@LOCAL I'd appreciate hearing what people have to say about whether or not it is necessary or useful to use a surge protector with the Macintosh. I'd also like to hear specific recommendations from people. What, for example, is the difference between a $19 surge protector and a $60 one? --Rick -------
info-mac@utcsrgv.UUCP (info-mac) (07/03/84)
Date: 2 Jul 84 18:43:10 CDT (Mon) From: uw-beaver!ihnp4!umn-cs!digi-g!dan@uw-beaver.arpa To: umn-cs!ihnp4!uw-beaver!info-mac Subject: Re: surge protectors? References: <978@uw-beaver> There are two basic types of surge protectors. One type takes the full current load of the attached device through it, and the other is connected to the line in parallel with the attached device. The first kind is rated for maximum load that can be run through it. The second, since it is not taking the load through it, has no maximum load rating. The first type COULD be more effective, if built properly, but also tend to be more expensive. The second type can also be very effective, and are usually cheaper. But beware, many of the second type are slow at responding to surges, or will be "punched out" themselves by a surge, and would let future surges pass though. Also note the difference between surge protectors and line conditioners. Surge protectors only clip high voltages. Line conditioners filter out noise, and may fill in short interuptions. A recommendation: We are using a Surge Sentry from RKS Industries. Its specs showed it to be very fast reacting and could take a fairly large jolt. Stage 1 Stage 2 Component clamping response (sec) 5E-12 1E-6 100 usec. power dissipation (W) 1E3 1E6 It has an indicator to tell you if it is fried. And has UL approval, which many of the cheaper units we looked at did not have. Cost was $70. We have had power fluctuations that have crashed all systems in the room except the one that had the Surge Sentry, so we know it works.