Do Surge Protectors even work?

[winds]

So about a month ago I had the power go out in my area and unfortunately my hard drive in my PC got fried in the process. My PC is hooked up to a surge protector which I thought would protect it in rare cases like these. Now today we experienced another power outtage, and on a different surge protector in another part of the house, my cable box got fried. Seriously, what is the point of these things if all my things are getting fried? I don't really mind about my cable box since it's a rental from my cable company, but the part that scares me is all my consoles are plugged into the same surge protector. Fortunately all those are still working okay (as far as I know)

[Hatta]

A good surge protector will have a warranty so you should be able to file a claim for damages. I've never had to collect on one, but it's worth looking into.


You should also check to see that your outlets are actually properly grounded. I have seen 3 prong outlets that weren't grounded at all. You can get an outlet tester at Home Depot. If there's no ground available, there's nothing really a surge protector can do.

Of course, the best protection is just breaking the circuit. I keep my consoles on a power strip. I turn it on when I want to play, and turn it off when I'm done.

[MrPopo]

It make seem like a stupid question, but are you sure they are actually surge protectors, and not just power strips?

[vash23n]

It make seem like a stupid question, but are you sure they are actually surge protectors, and not just power strips?

Agreed. Also, power surges can pack a MASSIVE punch, especially if they are caused by lightening. Some of the lower end surge protectors that are more affordable are just useless. Only safe bet is to unplug them before a storm. For those with random blackouts, this can be tough.

[Octopod]

It make seem like a stupid question, but are you sure they are actually surge protectors, and not just power strips?

This is what I was thinking too.

[Hobie-wan]

Keep in mind that surge protectors actually 'wear out'. The part that's supposed to fry instead of your electronics goes bad after a few years. Mid priced or better surge protectors will have a light that lets you know when it now just a strip and no longer giving you surge protection. So if you've had one for a while, replace it. Like your power supply in your PC, surge protectors are a thing you shouldn't cheap out on. Remember that it's protecting stuff that's worth at least hundreds of dollars.

[Dakinggamer87]

I use surge protectors and have had no issues. I spend more money to protect my tech and as mentioned you should not go cheap on surge protection.

[winds]

Thanks for the replies guys. I may invest in one of those outlet checker things that Hatta suggested to see if i'm actually grounded.
Also, i'm positive they're both surge protectors and not just power strips. I bought them specifically to protect my stuff, and they have joule ratings. I think my PC surge protector is probably 5 years or older now, but the one that just fried my cable box is no more than a year old.

I may think about investing in better surge protectors, which brand would you guys recommend? Or in what price range? I usually like to have a good amount of outlets on them as well, no less than 12.

[Dakinggamer87]

I use the Monster surge protectors and this is what I currently use. It's a little expensive but I have had no problems:

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MKIII-8-O ... 488&sr=8-5

I hope this suggestion helps.

[Hobie-wan]

Thanks for the replies guys. I may invest in one of those outlet checker things that Hatta suggested to see if i'm actually grounded.

Aside from having the light to let you know if it's still any good, a decent surge should have a light indicating if your ground is ok as well.

Also, i'm positive they're both surge protectors and not just power strips. I bought them specifically to protect my stuff, and they have joule ratings. I think my PC surge protector is probably 5 years or older now, but the one that just fried my cable box is no more than a year old.

I may think about investing in better surge protectors, which brand would you guys recommend? Or in what price range? I usually like to have a good amount of outlets on them as well, no less than 12.

5 years? I seriously doubt that's protecting you from surges anymore. Buy a UPS for your PC. Don't necessarily worry about one that will keep your PC running for an hour in the dark. One that will smooth out any light surges our brownouts and give you a few minutes to save, quit, and shutdown.