Should I get a surge protector or extension plug lead for my computer system?

Question

A FUSE

In electronics and electrical engineering a fuse (short for fusible link), is a type of overcurrent protection device. Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows, which breaks the circuit in which it is connected, thus protecting the circuit's other components from damage due to excessive current.

My question is that, I have a computer system (computer,speakers, monitor, printer, router and modem) and would like to know if I should get a "surge protector" or a "plug extension lead with a 13amp fuse"?

I heard something about short circuits, power surges and other damaging stuff which can occur, when there's a storm out. I hope that helps a bit for my question to be answered.

Answer 1

you should get a surge protector.

Answer 2

With the increasing demand on domestic electricity supplies many folks have suggested there has been an increase in both over-voltage and under voltage peaks.  I think there may be some truth in it.  

I use a UPS for my better kit, but ALWAYS put a decent surge protector in line.  Many are also extension leads now.  Certainly our  one unprotected [until a few months ago] device [a TV] has started showing problems and they often coincide with the loss of a lightbulb in that room.

Answer 3

You need a surge protector. The idea here is that the surge protector will clamp voltage spikes to a particular level, thus preventing their getting to your electronics.

A fuse protects against electrical overload conditions, but it is far too slow and will not protect against voltage spikes.

Answer 4

A surge protector would be a wise decision for use with any high end electronics (computers, television, ect.). When a storm does arise and your computer isn't plugged into a surge protector you risk blowing your power supply and unless you have an extra laying around that you can easily switch out then your computer will be dead until it is replaced.

Answer 5

definitely cuz they protect ur comp if u dont hv one it could mess up ur hard drive or sumthing like tht cuz comps rnt supposed just shutoff it ccauses internal damage and shortens the life of the hard drive and computer  

Answer 6

I would definitely go with the surge protector because it would do more to protect your computer than an extension lead can. You also get the added bonus of extra outlets.

Answer 7

we have had a surge protector on our pc for years. no problems in all that time so i would recommend you get one. they don't cost much, we paid about £20 but along time ago so they should be half that now

hope this helps

Tracey x*x

Answer 8

I highly recommend having something that protects against power surges because you can have power surges with no expectation.  However, if there is a lightening storm, no surge protector will completely protect your electronics, so if you are not at home or you have a lightning storm, you should unplug valuable equipment.  If you have a commercial need for you computer, then I suggest contacting someone who specializes in those needs. Those surge protectors are usually over $500.

Answer 9

You should get a surge protector or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). You should not plug a computer or other sensitive equipment into any source that is only "fuse protected"

First, lets discuss the surge issue:

Even a fast acting fuse will not protect a computer from a surge before it burns out. A surge protector is designed to act near immediately to attempt to regulate the voltage supplied to your computer, either blocking the surge or by shorting to ground voltages above a safe threshold. A fuse melts when an overcurrent goes through it (either because of a short in the equipment, a piece of equipment drawing more than the fuse is rated for, and/or too much current finding a path through the equipment).

When looking at a surge protector, you wish to compare the joules rating on it and the reaction time. You want higher joules rating, and lower reaction time. This is definitely an area where quality is worth paying a little extra.

On a side note, virtually all surge protectors come with a fuse as well - but do not confuse a power strip with a surge protector (many look the same).

Computers and other electronic equipment are sensitive to more than just surges though. Surge protectors do not regulate other things such as brownouts, high voltage (such as your line voltage goes over 127 volts) or poor waveform (AC current in the US should be 60hz).

If you live in an area where you frequently get brownouts, blackouts, high voltage or similar situations, you may wish to spend a few extra bucks on a UPS instead of a surge protector. Most UPS units will switch to battery when the line current (from your outlet) either falls above or below a certain threshold to ensure your computer gets the proper voltage - all while also protecting your computer from surges. If you live in an area with really bad power, you can consider purchasing a high end UPS ($100+) which can also filter AC waveforms to ensure your equipment gets 60hz AC.

Regardless of your choice, there are some common mistakes people make that render a surge protector or UPS useless:

- You MUST have a valid ground connection (3rd pin) which goes to a properly grounded location.

- You MUST connect every component that is interconnected into a surge protector or UPS (such as the monitor, powered speakers and printer... otherwise a surge could potentially carry back through the unprotected device into your computer). This also includes any incoming modem, DSL or cable Internet line (pick a UPS or surge protector with the outlets needed for whichever you have).

- You cannot plug a laser printer into most UPS units (unless they specifically say they are rated for it). Use a very good surge protector for it and leave it off the UPS. When a laserprinter starts it's warmup cycle(s), it draws a lot of current very quickly for a short period of time (when it heats the fuser), which can damage a UPS not designed for it.

If you have any other questions that I havent answered, let me know.

Answer 10

You blew some of my brains out with detail. No kidding. Yes you have to have a surge protector on your system, and you cannot connect the printer on the same strip because of its varying current requirements. So you want to have your computer and monitor and speakers surge protected, and your printer too, but that has to be on a separate strip and plugged into a different outlet. Get strips with the highest joule suppression rating you can find and afford. Lightning trashes everything, and if your dad turns on a power saw or something in the basement you could be screwed too. If an appliance shorts out or an air conditioner turns on you are screwed. You need two strips, one for the goods and one for the printer and/or FAX. Now, if you buy an UPS all that stuff comes with it. See if you can afford an UPS.

Answer 11

your computer monitor printer, should be on separate surge,

your router speakers, should be a separate surge so if thier a

problem it should be found quickly,  the surge should changed

every year or less, ask your internen support group what

kind  surge  equipement you need them go radio shack or staples

purchas it.