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JIm
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Posted - 5/8/2000 3:33:44 AM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message
I am in lightning country and have had one computer eliminated a few years back by a surge that came in through modem line from 10 miles away. I was wondering about the new surge protectors made by APC and Tripplite that offer a few minutes of backup and have plug-ins for modems and 6 cords. Are these all hype or do you still have to unplug? I saw Sarge's response to a post about damage by lightning and surge protectors not being the cure all the propose to be and do not want to purchase one if I still have to unplug during storms. I have a USR 5687 which works great and I would hate to see it scorched.

Jim

v.Richard
Tl Posts:
6222

USA
Posted - 5/14/2000 12:46:30 PM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message  v.Richards Homepage
Nothing can protect against everything, but a good protector is probably better than none.

One of the things you have to be careful of is ground loop. Anything that's grounded, like your outlets, computer, printer, etc., needs to be plugged into the same surge protector - because w/ lightning you can get a voltage potential between the various ground taps on your house wiring. The various devices you have may be grounded to each other through cables, and if they are connected to different ground points via their power cable, you can have blowouts!

The phone line is balanced - there is no ground connection; The phone company puts surge protection on the phone line where it enters your house, and this protection usually protects your equipment from being damaged by the phone line connection.
Many surge protectors that offer phone line protection as well will impair modem performance.

Aloha,
Richard

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