Bakuryu42 :
Should I get a new sure protector or invest in a UPS?
Read the numeric specifications. A plug-in protector does not even claim protection in its numeric specs. It cannot. It does not claim to protect from typically destructive surges. Why discuss what would only harm sales.
So they make subjective claims in sales brochures. Lying is legal there. Bottom line: a protector adjacent to an appliance only claims to protect from typically non-destructive surges. Then the majority will believe it is 100% protection. Your protector did exactly what its spec numbers said it would do.
A UPS typically contains protection that is near zero. But just enough above zero so that it also can be hyped as 100% protection to consumers who ignore spec numbers. The UPS has only one purpose - to protect data from blackouts.
UPS in battery backup mode typically outputs some of the 'dirtiest power a computer will even see. For example, this 120 volt UPS outputs 200 volts square waves with a spike of up to 270 volts between those square waves. Why? Because protection already inside every appliance makes that 'dirty' electricity irrelevant.
Some have seen this with new computers. Electricity so 'dirty' as to confuse new Power Factor Correction circuits in some new PCs.
Now, the question is about effective protection. Protection is always about where energy dissipates. Already this can be too complex because it will require you to unlearn myths that promote plug-in protectors. Protection is always about where energy dissipates. Where do hundreds of thousands of joules dissipate? In a protector rated for hundreds of joules. Or did you read those numeric specifications yet?
Effective protection means hundreds of thousands of joules dissipates harmlessly outside the building. If that energy is permitted inside, then the surge must hunt for earth destructively via appliances. A direct lightning strike to utility wires down the street is a direct strike to every appliance. Which one is damaged? Which one makes the better connection to earth?
Well proven protection means one 'whole house' protector connected at the service entrance and short (ie 'less than 10 feet') to single point earth ground. Why do plug-in protectors not discuss where energy dissipates? Because you might install one 'whole house' protector and fully protect everything. A protector is only as effective as its earth ground - where those joules get harmlessly absorbed.
More responsible companies sell the well proven and superior solution - including Siemens, General Electric, Square D, Leviton, ABB, Keison, and Intermatic. An effective Cutler-Hammer solution sells in Lowes and Home Depot for less than $50.
As I said, first you must unlearn the lies and myths that sell plug-in protectors. Then learn how protection is done everywhere that direct lightning strikes cause no damage.
Your telco connects their $multi-million computer to overhead wires all over town. It suffers at least 100 surge with each thunderstorm. How often has your entire town been without phone service for four days while they replace a surge damaged computer? Telcos everywhere in the world earth 'whole house' protectors. And waste no money on plug-in solutions.
To make protection even better, telcos want that 'whole house' protector up to 50 meters (150 feet) distant from electronics. Yes, protection is about a protector distant from protected electronics. And within feet of earth ground.
Because so many are educated by hearsay and retail myths, then a majority are probably learning this for the first time. Learning how surge protection was done even 100 years ago because myths and sales scams became so profitable.
Protection is always - always - about where energy dissipates. No earth ground means no effective protection (power strips, UPS). A protector is only as effective as the only thing that does surge protection - single point earth ground. Known even 100 years ago.
Why do so many not know it today? Retail propaganda is that persuasive – especially when he does not explain why and does not always provide numbers. No numbers is the first indication of a junk science based product.
Yes protector too far from earth ground and too close to the appliance can even earth that surge destructively via the nearby appliance. Protection means energy is not inside the building.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram