Does anyone here use a power conditioner or a UPS versus just a surge protector?

[stargate]

I have been using a Belkin UPS (uninterrupted power supply I believe) for the past 2 years. I think I initially got it because I heard that black outs or brown outs could damage electrical equipment and I didn't want to put my classic systems at risk.

But the thing is damn ugly and takes up much needed floor space so I am thinking about going back to just a standard surge protector. I mean, I think a UPS or a power conditioner (to regulate/clean up AC power) is probably overkill. I am also unconvinced that a sudden drop in power would do much to an older video game system, but I was looking for some feedback from the forum.

[gokugohandave]

your general 10 dollar surgeprotectector is nothing more than an extension cord. Go for something in the upper range of prices, something that has a fast clamping time, has more than one MOV, preferably 3 or more, then youll be sitting good. I myself have an even better one than this, but hey, we get lots of power outages and surges here so. What you need is a surge supressor, not protector. Suprressors dissipate the voltage to ground, protectors simply throw a breaker and 3/4 times protectors fail to do this. Basically, ten dollar walmart protectors suck, go for a mid to high range supressor, and look to see if it has a few mov's. See here: http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/surge-suppressors.html I cant find the telltale signs that it has an mov but you can look around for them.

Ahh here we go at the bottom, the l n, g n, etc. look for those signs on the box:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infelectrical/infsurgeprotect.html

[stargate]

your general 10 dollar surgeprotectector is nothing more than an extension cord. Go for something in the upper range of prices, something that has a fast clamping time, has more than one MOV, preferably 3 or more, then youll be sitting good. I myself have an even better one than this, but hey, we get lots of power outages and surges here so. What you need is a surge supressor, not protector. Suprressors dissipate the voltage to ground, protectors simply throw a breaker and 3/4 times protectors fail to do this. Basically, ten dollar walmart protectors suck, go for a mid to high range supressor, and look to see if it has a few mov's. See here: http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/surge-suppressors.html I cant find the telltale signs that it has an mov but you can look around for them.

Ahh here we go at the bottom, the l n, g n, etc. look for those signs on the box:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infelectrical/infsurgeprotect.html

Can you recommend a decent one for me?

[gokugohandave]

pick your price range, go with a good company, its all about waht you need and what you trust. BTW dont get a belkin. Millions and millions of websites have em, tigerdirect, comp usa, egay, tons of places to get a good quality one that doesnt take up much space and doesnt cost a fortune.

[Raedon]

You might PM 98pacecar about line conditioners. He has some rather exotic and expensive gear. I remember him having a line conditioner in his home theater setup that cost more then my 5.1 amp/sub/speakers combined.

[Carey85]

A good ground at your electrical service is your best insurance policy against a lightning strike or power surge. As an electrician, my professional opinion is that home surge protectors aren't worth a shit regardless of what they promise. If you're that worried about your electronics, buy a transient voltage surge suppressor or just unplug your stuff during storms.

[gokugohandave]

I unplug even my surge supressors during storms, there isnt one outlet in my room thats in use during any storm, I can go without an rpg for a few hours if it means saving my stuff. We unlplug our tvs downstairs and a few lamps and stuff as well, even though our house is properly grounded, it cant kill something if it aint plugged in.