Over the years while working with many different types of Computer Systems,
I've concluded that there really is no fool-proof way to protect the
equipment  against voltage variations 100% the time.
Perhaps a good compromise is to make sure that the Computer System  is on an
isolated electrical circuit.
(Don't put it on a circuit with appliances, etc.)
Also, run a separate "insulated/isolated" Ground Wire from Actual Ground,
through the electrical box to the computer plug-in outlet.  (This eliminates
many surge problems.)
Also, make sure the electrical circuit does not have any type of "delayed"
or "slow-blow" fuse or breaker in the electrical box. If the structure that
houses the computer has a "lightening rod" or similar device, then that is
even better.
It is my understanding that "surge protectors"  come in hundreds of
varieties. You generally get what you pay for.  If you buy a cheap $5.00
"surge protector",  you will usually get $5.00 worth of protection!
I prefer to use 2) $50.00 Surge Protectors on each machine. (I "daisy-chain"
them together) If one is faulty, the other one should catch the surge before
too much damage occurs.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael C Soto" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:27 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Confused about surge protectors


> Greetings all,
>
> I know that surge protection is important, but I find the selection of
> Surge protectors confusing, and I'm sure some of you guys are confused
> too. Does a $50 surge protector offer better protection than one that's
> free after mail in rebate ($9 in store)?
>
> Well, I bought this one Belkin Surgemaster that is rated 592 joules
> maximum energy disspiation  and it has a 15 amp circuit breaker. Now,
> what is this all about?  Is a circuit breaker that important, and what's
> the difference between a surge protector with and without it?
>
> I've got a thousand questions I could ask regarding these, so I'll just
> sum it up in one question - How can I go about making sure that my
> computer is well protected for an affordable price, and what should I
> look for when buying a surge protector?
>
>
> - Hawk166_PWR (Michael Soto)
> [log in to unmask]
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>                        Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>

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