If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
I have a laptop and a netbook both running WinXP and with a DSL connection
to the internet. I use both computers wirelessly in my home and have a modem/router from my ISP, Frontier Communications (used to be Verizon). A couple days ago my area had multiple power outages. I turned off the computers right away. A couple hours later, when I turned them on and tried to get to the internet, I couldn't--and the Internet light on my modem was out. Frontier sent out a repairman with a new modem, which lit up properly. (It took a call to tech support by the repairman to actually connect to the internet again.) I realize that I should have had the modem/router plugged into a surge protector (the one I use for the laptop and printer is too far away from the router). I also need to plug the netbook into a surge protector; it's far away from everything else. Any recommendations for a good surge protector that would work for both the netbook and the modem/router (I'd buy two of them)? Thank you! Jo-Anne |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
On 04/03/2012 6:13 PM, Jo-Anne wrote:
I have a laptop and a netbook both running WinXP and with a DSL connection to the internet. I use both computers wirelessly in my home and have a modem/router from my ISP, Frontier Communications (used to be Verizon). A couple days ago my area had multiple power outages. I turned off the computers right away. A couple hours later, when I turned them on and tried to get to the internet, I couldn't--and the Internet light on my modem was out. Frontier sent out a repairman with a new modem, which lit up properly. (It took a call to tech support by the repairman to actually connect to the internet again.) I realize that I should have had the modem/router plugged into a surge protector (the one I use for the laptop and printer is too far away from the router). I also need to plug the netbook into a surge protector; it's far away from everything else. Any recommendations for a good surge protector that would work for both the netbook and the modem/router (I'd buy two of them)? Surge protectors are a dime-a-dozen, I don't think you'll get a better unit by spending more. If you get the interruptions frequently in your area, then you should go for a UPS. For your modems, a cheap one should be more than plenty. Yousuf Khan |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
"Yousuf Khan" wrote in message
... On 04/03/2012 6:13 PM, Jo-Anne wrote: I have a laptop and a netbook both running WinXP and with a DSL connection to the internet. I use both computers wirelessly in my home and have a modem/router from my ISP, Frontier Communications (used to be Verizon). A couple days ago my area had multiple power outages. I turned off the computers right away. A couple hours later, when I turned them on and tried to get to the internet, I couldn't--and the Internet light on my modem was out. Frontier sent out a repairman with a new modem, which lit up properly. (It took a call to tech support by the repairman to actually connect to the internet again.) I realize that I should have had the modem/router plugged into a surge protector (the one I use for the laptop and printer is too far away from the router). I also need to plug the netbook into a surge protector; it's far away from everything else. Any recommendations for a good surge protector that would work for both the netbook and the modem/router (I'd buy two of them)? Surge protectors are a dime-a-dozen, I don't think you'll get a better unit by spending more. If you get the interruptions frequently in your area, then you should go for a UPS. For your modems, a cheap one should be more than plenty. Yousuf Khan Thank you! There are so many to choose from. I guess I can go by reviews to some degree, especially when there are lots of them and they're almost all positive. Jo-Anne |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
.."Jo-Anne" wrote in message
... I realize that I should have had the modem/router plugged into a surge protector (the one I use for the laptop and printer is too far away from the router). I also need to plug the netbook into a surge protector; it's far away from everything else. . . . There are so many to choose from. I guess I can go by reviews to some degree, especially when there are lots of them and they're almost all positive. The two desktops networked here (where power outages are frequent, almost one a month for the last couple of years) are a Belkin UPS/surge protector upstairs, with the wireless modem (about $50) and a large APC unit downstairs (because I was given it by a friend and the battery has not yet died), both satisfactory for 3 or 4 years. -- Don Phillipson Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa Canada) |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
"Don Phillipson" wrote in message
... ."Jo-Anne" wrote in message ... I realize that I should have had the modem/router plugged into a surge protector (the one I use for the laptop and printer is too far away from the router). I also need to plug the netbook into a surge protector; it's far away from everything else. . . . There are so many to choose from. I guess I can go by reviews to some degree, especially when there are lots of them and they're almost all positive. The two desktops networked here (where power outages are frequent, almost one a month for the last couple of years) are a Belkin UPS/surge protector upstairs, with the wireless modem (about $50) and a large APC unit downstairs (because I was given it by a friend and the battery has not yet died), both satisfactory for 3 or 4 years. -- Don Phillipson Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa Canada) Thank you, Don! One thing I found discouraging from other responses is that it appears you can't really tell if you're being protected until something happens... Jo-Anne |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
On Mar 16, 9:40 pm, "Jo-Anne" wrote:
One thing I found discouraging from other responses is that it appears you can't really tell if you're being protected until something happens... Read spec numbers on that Belkin. It does not even claim to protect hardware. We all learned in elementary school science about conclusions based in observation. Fill the lake and life spontaneously appears. That proves spontaneous reproduction? Or maggots created by moldy bread? Both conclusions based only in observation are called junk science. Nobody can say anything about appliance protection only from observation. Especially when power outages do not harm electronics. Junk science reasoning proves a Belkin product did protection when even Belkin will not claim that protection. If an outage caused hardware damage, then all other unprotected appliance were also damaged. How much to replace the stove, furnace, clocks, TV, smoke detectors and bathroom GFCI. All not on protectors. Using your reasoning, they must have been damaged. Reality: all appliances already contain superior protection. You had damage for other reasons. Observation has only resulted in erroneous conclusions. No facts support Don's conclusions. To be valid, he must list other damaged appliances (clocks, door bell, TV, smoke detectors) that failed due to no protection. Those were not damaged because outages do not harm hardware. Ignoring other undamaged appliances justifies an erroneous conclusion. So, if your surge protectors did something, then how much did it cost to replace the stove, dishwasher, smoke detectors, and furnace? None of them had surge protectors. Using your reasoning, those must be damaged. Those power strip protectors did nothing. Superior protection in adjacent appliances did the protection. Read numbers on your surge protector. It does not even claim to do the protection you have only assumed. Other more obvious reasons explain your damage. AT&T provides a superb description of why DSL modems fail. Knowledge that comes from spec numbers and from 100 years of science and experience. In an early post, you suggested you should have had phone line protection. But you did. It was installed for free. Another fact you had to know before making conclusions. Any magic box adjacent to an appliance does not do and does not claim to do relevant protection. Even Don's Belkin does not do what he has only hoped it would do. You know when you are protected by learning facts and numbers. Start by asking. By defining what currently exists. By listing from a protector you believe does protection. And asking what is necessary to provide well proven (100+ year old) solutions. Conclusions only from observation and without numbers are classic junk science. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
Yousuf Khan wrote:
On 04/03/2012 6:13 PM, Jo-Anne wrote: I have a laptop and a netbook both running WinXP and with a DSL connection to the internet. I use both computers wirelessly in my home and have a modem/router from my ISP, Frontier Communications (used to be Verizon). A couple days ago my area had multiple power outages. I turned off the computers right away. A couple hours later, when I turned them on and tried to get to the internet, I couldn't--and the Internet light on my modem was out. Frontier sent out a repairman with a new modem, which lit up properly. (It took a call to tech support by the repairman to actually connect to the internet again.) I realize that I should have had the modem/router plugged into a surge protector (the one I use for the laptop and printer is too far away from the router). I also need to plug the netbook into a surge protector; it's far away from everything else. Any recommendations for a good surge protector that would work for both the netbook and the modem/router (I'd buy two of them)? Surge protectors are a dime-a-dozen, I don't think you'll get a better unit by spending more. If you get the interruptions frequently in your area, then you should go for a UPS. For your modems, a cheap one should be more than plenty. Yousuf Khan I use the dime-a-dozen variety myself, but for an install back home, I used one of these. I used this, so all the gear could be turned off at once. This box has room for mounting screws, and I mounted it on the side of the desk. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16842111078 It has a pair of RJ-11 jacks on the side, for "passthru" protection of a phone line. But on the home setup, all we had was dialup, and I don't know whether this protection upsets ADSL frequencies or not. But this might clip garbage coming in over a phone line. (At the demarcation point in the basement, the phone line likely has some of its own protection.) http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/42-111-078-Z03?$S640W$ In my ADSL setup here, I use a dime-a-dozen protector, with the same style passthru RJ-11 protection, and it doesn't seem to affect the ADSL at all. The protector was designed, before ADSL came along, which is why I was a bit worried about it. That Tripplite box has a 90 degree AC plug, for flush mount behind furniture. Which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your setup. Paul |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
"Paul" wrote in message
... Yousuf Khan wrote: On 04/03/2012 6:13 PM, Jo-Anne wrote: I have a laptop and a netbook both running WinXP and with a DSL connection to the internet. I use both computers wirelessly in my home and have a modem/router from my ISP, Frontier Communications (used to be Verizon). A couple days ago my area had multiple power outages. I turned off the computers right away. A couple hours later, when I turned them on and tried to get to the internet, I couldn't--and the Internet light on my modem was out. Frontier sent out a repairman with a new modem, which lit up properly. (It took a call to tech support by the repairman to actually connect to the internet again.) I realize that I should have had the modem/router plugged into a surge protector (the one I use for the laptop and printer is too far away from the router). I also need to plug the netbook into a surge protector; it's far away from everything else. Any recommendations for a good surge protector that would work for both the netbook and the modem/router (I'd buy two of them)? Surge protectors are a dime-a-dozen, I don't think you'll get a better unit by spending more. If you get the interruptions frequently in your area, then you should go for a UPS. For your modems, a cheap one should be more than plenty. Yousuf Khan I use the dime-a-dozen variety myself, but for an install back home, I used one of these. I used this, so all the gear could be turned off at once. This box has room for mounting screws, and I mounted it on the side of the desk. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16842111078 It has a pair of RJ-11 jacks on the side, for "passthru" protection of a phone line. But on the home setup, all we had was dialup, and I don't know whether this protection upsets ADSL frequencies or not. But this might clip garbage coming in over a phone line. (At the demarcation point in the basement, the phone line likely has some of its own protection.) http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/42-111-078-Z03?$S640W$ In my ADSL setup here, I use a dime-a-dozen protector, with the same style passthru RJ-11 protection, and it doesn't seem to affect the ADSL at all. The protector was designed, before ADSL came along, which is why I was a bit worried about it. That Tripplite box has a 90 degree AC plug, for flush mount behind furniture. Which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your setup. Paul Thank you, Paul! I plug my laptop, fax machine, and printer into the 4-outlet Tripp-Lite model just like the 6-outlet one you linked to at Newegg. I've had it for at least a few years. No problems so far. So maybe I should splurge and get another one for the modem/router and phone and a cheapie for the netbook. Jo-Anne |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
On Mar 5, 7:40 pm, "Jo-Anne" wrote:
In my ADSL setup here, I use a dime-a-dozen protector, with the same style passthru RJ-11 protection, and it doesn't seem to affect the ADSL at all. The protector was designed, before ADSL came along, which is why I was a bit worried about it. View manufacturer's spec numbers. The 'dime a dozen' protector contains a protector circuit similar to other protectors selling for $40 or $90. Don't take anyone's word for it. Consult the manufacturer's spec numbers. A $4 power strip with ten cent protector parts sells for $7 in Wal- Mart. Or for over $100 as a Monster protector. The profit center works because so many recommend it without even asking what a protector does. And by ignoring those manufacturer’s specs. You had multiple power outages. That means 120 volts became zero volts. The protector does absolutely nothing until voltages exceed 330 volts. Again, don't take anyone's word for it. That let-through voltage number is written on its box. Protectors are for 120 volts going to thousands of volts. Power outages are 120 volts dropping to zero volts. The protector would do nothing but enrich its manufacturer. BTW, did you know your modem was already plugged into a surge protector? All DSL lines already have a superior protector installed for free. Others should have known that before making a recommendation. And should have referenced those spec numbers. Other problems could explain your damage. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
w_tom wrote:
On Mar 5, 7:40 pm, "Jo-Anne" wrote: In my ADSL setup here, I use a dime-a-dozen protector, with the same style passthru RJ-11 protection, and it doesn't seem to affect the ADSL at all. The protector was designed, before ADSL came along, which is why I was a bit worried about it. View manufacturer's spec numbers. The 'dime a dozen' protector contains a protector circuit similar to other protectors selling for $40 or $90. Don't take anyone's word for it. Consult the manufacturer's spec numbers. A $4 power strip with ten cent protector parts sells for $7 in Wal- Mart. Or for over $100 as a Monster protector. The profit center works because so many recommend it without even asking what a protector does. And by ignoring those manufacturer’s specs. You had multiple power outages. That means 120 volts became zero volts. The protector does absolutely nothing until voltages exceed 330 volts. Again, don't take anyone's word for it. That let-through voltage number is written on its box. Protectors are for 120 volts going to thousands of volts. Power outages are 120 volts dropping to zero volts. The protector would do nothing but enrich its manufacturer. BTW, did you know your modem was already plugged into a surge protector? All DSL lines already have a superior protector installed for free. Others should have known that before making a recommendation. And should have referenced those spec numbers. Other problems could explain your damage. That's not the point of the suggestion. Jo-Anne asked where she could find a protector, and I pointed one out. I didn't attempt to provide any analysis of the current damage event. There is no evidence that I could see, from the description, that the damaging event came in through the phone line. It might have come in through the power line. No solution is absolute, and then it's a question of which solutions are better than nothing. If you sit in your house, running on batteries or a Honda generator, using Wifi for networking, that would be reasonably good, but pretty impractical. Then it would take an EMP to knock you out. ******* As for this statement "All DSL lines already have a superior protector" where is that located exactly, in a customer installed ADSL setup ? The phone company does nothing to the line, between the remote (a block and a half away) and the house, and the demarcation point (in my basement) hasn't been changed either. It's unlike the telephone company, to do a "truck roll" for a residential ADSL installation (so Jo-Anne isn't likely to have extra premises equipment either), so no opportunity for installing anything. The line is just as ready to be affected by external events, as it was before you ordered ADSL. In my neighborhood, as near as I can tell, the remote handles everything, as the passive wiring pedestal was removed. Our phone lines, do travel on poles here, so the path from the remote to my house, does take an aerial path. Paul |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
On Mon, 5 Mar 2012 18:40:17 -0600, "Jo-Anne"
wrote: "Paul" wrote in message ... I use the dime-a-dozen variety myself, but for an install back home, I used one of these. I used this, so all the gear could be turned off at once. This box has room for mounting screws, and I mounted it on the side of the desk. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16842111078 It has a pair of RJ-11 jacks on the side, for "passthru" protection of a phone line. But on the home setup, all we had was dialup, and I don't know whether this protection upsets ADSL frequencies or not. But this might clip garbage coming in over a phone line. (At the demarcation point in the basement, the phone line likely has some of its own protection.) http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/42-111-078-Z03?$S640W$ In my ADSL setup here, I use a dime-a-dozen protector, with the same style passthru RJ-11 protection, and it doesn't seem to affect the ADSL at all. The protector was designed, before ADSL came along, which is why I was a bit worried about it. That Tripplite box has a 90 degree AC plug, for flush mount behind furniture. Which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your setup. Thank you, Paul! I plug my laptop, fax machine, and printer into the 4-outlet Tripp-Lite model just like the 6-outlet one you linked to at Newegg. I've had it for at least a few years. No problems so far. So maybe I should splurge and get another one for the modem/router and phone and a cheapie for the netbook. Keep in mind that the dime a dozen units typically get their protection by using MOV's, Metal Oxide Varistors, and the MOV's primarily provide protection from noise and spikes by absorbing it. Thus, they get damaged over time, some quicker than others, depending on what they've been subjected to. A unit that's a few years old may be little more than an outlet strip by now, providing little or no protection. |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
On Mar 5, 10:24 pm, Char Jackson wrote:
Keep in mind that the dime a dozen units typically get their protection by using MOV's, Metal Oxide Varistors, and the MOV's primarily provide protection from noise and spikes by absorbing it. All power strip protectors use similar circuits and MOVs. Only protectors that are grossly undersized (that are profit centers) degrade with use. Properly installed protectors make direct lightning strikes irrelevant and remain functional. Typically cost tens or 100 times less money. Why does so much advertising promote a power strip protector? A $4 power strip with ten cent protector parts sells for $30 or $100. It is a profit center. Homes already have a superior protector where telco wires connect to yours. That protector is even required by the electrical code and FCC regulations. Has existed longer than most posters. However many who made recommendations do not even know of this existing and superior solution. OP defined a power outage problem. No protector protects from power outages. A superior protector is installed on phone lines for free. Numbers that define this were posted earlier. Other and better protection exists that also cost less money. But first, as with all problems, the problem must be defined before a solution can be implemented. A protector does not protect from power outages. |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
good surge protector?
"Char Jackson" wrote in message
... On Mon, 5 Mar 2012 18:40:17 -0600, "Jo-Anne" wrote: "Paul" wrote in message ... I use the dime-a-dozen variety myself, but for an install back home, I used one of these. I used this, so all the gear could be turned off at once. This box has room for mounting screws, and I mounted it on the side of the desk. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16842111078 It has a pair of RJ-11 jacks on the side, for "passthru" protection of a phone line. But on the home setup, all we had was dialup, and I don't know whether this protection upsets ADSL frequencies or not. But this might clip garbage coming in over a phone line. (At the demarcation point in the basement, the phone line likely has some of its own protection.) http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/42-111-078-Z03?$S640W$ In my ADSL setup here, I use a dime-a-dozen protector, with the same style passthru RJ-11 protection, and it doesn't seem to affect the ADSL at all. The protector was designed, before ADSL came along, which is why I was a bit worried about it. That Tripplite box has a 90 degree AC plug, for flush mount behind furniture. Which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your setup. Thank you, Paul! I plug my laptop, fax machine, and printer into the 4-outlet Tripp-Lite model just like the 6-outlet one you linked to at Newegg. I've had it for at least a few years. No problems so far. So maybe I should splurge and get another one for the modem/router and phone and a cheapie for the netbook. Keep in mind that the dime a dozen units typically get their protection by using MOV's, Metal Oxide Varistors, and the MOV's primarily provide protection from noise and spikes by absorbing it. Thus, they get damaged over time, some quicker than others, depending on what they've been subjected to. A unit that's a few years old may be little more than an outlet strip by now, providing little or no protection. Is there a way to tell if a surge protector is still protecting? My Tripp-Lite is not a dime-a-dozen unit, but I've used it for several years. I also have (but am not currently using) an old, rather expensive APC UPS. A few years ago, when I thought it was still functional, a power surge destroyed the fax machine and damaged the desktop computer plugged into it. I replaced the batteries in the UPS, but I've been afraid to use it. Jo-Anne Jo-Anne |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|