Question Besides using a UPS, is there anything additional I can do to protect my computer from surges and spikes?

[drosehill]

Like some of the other posters did, let me start by saying that I am neither an electrician nor particularly knowledgeable about electronics. I just have a very expensive custom built desktop, a terrific multi-monitor supply, and live in an area with relatively frequent power outages during winter storms — and I really would hate to see them all fried.

I have the monitors and desktop all hooked up to an Eaton UPS — however, from what I read online, UPSs should not be considered or used for primary surge protection .... but that they also should not be plugged into surge protectors.

So ... what gives?

Should I install surge protection on my breaker / a whole house system? I've also read that in the case of lightning strikes even those will not prevent the surge.

Is there anything in addition to my UPS that would actually help (besides plugging it out during storms) or am I doing the best that I can?

 

[jay32267]

I would put a surge protector between the UPS and the PC.
I don't see any reason why it would be bad to do this.
Also, you can put a whole house surge protector on your breaker box pretty easily.
I have done it with my house.

Here are a couple......but I think if you have a good one between your UPS and your PC....that should be pretty good.

https://www.amazon.com/Eaton-BRSURG...00+amp+surge+protector&qid=1577807844&sr=8-14

https://www.amazon.com/Siemens-FS14...200+amp+surge+protector&qid=1577807795&sr=8-5

 

[Ralston18]

Unplugging, as you are doing, is about the best you can do for the most part.

When thunderstorms are predicted my SOPs include unplugging electronics.

Here is a link that puts it all into perspective:

https://www.allconnect.com/blog/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-surge-protection

Do note the second to last paragraph.....

===========

You cannot look at the problem just based on electrical wiring. Current may find its' way in via coax cables, telephone lines, copper piping - any conductive path. Especially if there is a lack of proper grounding.

There are commercial grade in-line surge protectors available. Easily googled for more information and specific products and applications.

For example:

https://shedheads.net/whole-house-surge-protectors

Not familiar with the product nor endorsing/recommending it in any way. Just an example.

That said, it may be worthwhile to have a certified electrician take a look at your home and determine if home or circuit based surge protection is both viable and affordable. "Affordable" being both subjective and relative.

 

[drosehill]

I would put a surge protector between the UPS and the PC.
I don't see any reason why it would be bad to do this.
Also, you can put a whole house surge protector on your breaker box pretty easily.
I have done it with my house.

Here are a couple......but I think if you have a good one between your UPS and your PC....that should be pretty good.

https://www.amazon.com/Eaton-BRSURGE-Whole-Panel-Arrest-Breaker/dp/B00PM927KK/ref=sr_1_14?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIis-fh6Dg5gIVBmyGCh0EbQdGEAAYASAAEgKWIvD_BwE&hvadid=323394799600&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9005706&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=14053404631800041160&hvtargid=aud-840076997981:kwd-494034299512&hydadcr=18914_9698655&keywords=200+amp+surge+protector&qid=1577807844&sr=8-14

https://www.amazon.com/Siemens-FS140-Whole-House-Protection/dp/B013WINMK6/ref=sr_1_5?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIis-fh6Dg5gIVBmyGCh0EbQdGEAAYASAAEgKWIvD_BwE&hvadid=323394799600&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9005706&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=14053404631800041160&hvtargid=aud-840076997981:kwd-494034299512&hydadcr=18914_9698655&keywords=200+amp+surge+protector&qid=1577807795&sr=8-5

Thanks!

 

[drosehill]

Unplugging, as you are doing, is about the best you can do for the most part.

When thunderstorms are predicted my SOPs include unplugging electronics.

Here is a link that puts it all into perspective:

https://www.allconnect.com/blog/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-surge-protection

Do note the second to last paragraph.....

===========

You cannot look at the problem just based on electrical wiring. Current may find its' way in via coax cables, telephone lines, copper piping - any conductive path. Especially if there is a lack of proper grounding.

There are commercial grade in-line surge protectors available. Easily googled for more information and specific products and applications.

For example:

https://shedheads.net/whole-house-surge-protectors

Not familiar with the product nor endorsing/recommending it in any way. Just an example.

That said, it may be worthwhile to have a certified electrician take a look at your home and determine if home or circuit based surge protection is both viable and affordable. "Affordable" being both subjective and relative.

And thank you too!

 

[ahmerarab123]

I think an Online UPS will protect surges as well as spikes and resolve almost 9 problems. An online ups is basically a line conditioner that provide you accurate and pure sine wave. So i think you don't need to install anything before and after UPS. UPS itself is a best line conditioner. If you still want an External surge protector then place it before UPS. remember surge protector should be of same rating of UPS or more. Furthermore you can install External line conditioner as well in order to protect surge. I am an Electronic Engineer and design best solution for you. please let me know if you want to extend back up of your UPS as well. check out my services here https://www.fiverr.com/arabic_desire/design-electrical-equipment-room

 

[ultrarunner100]

How effective do you think a whole-house device is?
I have one installed, but I use an APC Back-UPS on my computer equipment, and good surge strips for everything else.
I do not have any surge protection downstream of the UPS. I think I read somewhere that doing so is not advisable, but there seems to be a debate about this.
The manual for my APC states that it should be plugged directly into the wall outlet.

Regardless of what protection you use, the best protection is to unplug all equipment from the mains when a storm is approaching. I don't always go that far, but when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, I usually do. I have gone so far as to disconnect the ethernet cable from my computer, even though the APC protects it as well.

Ultrarunner