Computer help forum: Life expectancy of surge protectors?

That would depend on what is plugged into it and how good it is. Prices vary greatly and so does quality. I use APC which has a lifetime warranty for both the surge protector and whatever is plugged into it but there are other good brands too. A better option is a UPS (uninterupted power supply) anyway.

take a direct lightning strike. I don't care how good the surge protector is or how expensive. My grandmother had a lightning strike at her house come in through the electrical wires and it burnt up her furnace tv and almost burnt up her whole house. Lightning jumps from half a mile in the sky to the ground as easy as sparks go across a spark plug, do you really think a little surge protector will stop it? Put it this way "if lightning strikes directly the only thing that will save a computer is a call to the insurance man to replace it".

A surge protector takes on *all comers of problems* so expect if you have real problems and the surge protector is doing its job, it may last once on a real bad hit or multiple times. And if multiple times, it degrades little by little until overcomed. One good feature are "taddytale LEDs" which remain lit until not as thus the surge protector is no longer effective. The better models offer higher joule rating are simply effective to not only stop a hit but prevent serious damage or fire outbreak. The cheaper the model, the level of protection degrades quickly. Thus stick with good brands like APC or Triplett. Others abound, but for simple home systems look the the joule rating spec. somehwre on the box or protector.

good luck -----Willy ":)"

If you buy a cheap surge protector, don't expect the world of it. The more costly, the *more likely* it will do its job and on a continuous basis. YES, surge protectors do degrade so its important to have some taltale LED to show its working. Usually, after a serious hit the LED goes out and provides an immedaite need to buy anew. if you want to save money, get a solo AC surge protector for each AC cord, then plug into a strip surge protector then plug that into dual AC wall outlet surge protector, covers both plugs. That doesn't rule out having a line conditioner or UPS if desired, its not a waste of money if you consider your data important.

good luck -----Willy

Glenn,
Nice!
However, I would have replaced it by now, due to considerations in my other post here.

Btw, if you have the skills you can replace the items I mentioned yourself, and leave the rest of the circuity intact. You will probably void any equipment replacement guarantee remaining.

Another view is that in 9 years you've depreciated/amortized/paid back your investment, so why not replace all of it for cheap insurance.

I also use and recommend APC

Regards, Doug in New Mexico

I have a good solderer and he is real picky!

Thank you both... now I know what to call them.

Glenn

Marlene,
And my. two cents worth is:

Inside a surge suppressor are two or (better) three coughdrop-sized items connected to the power lines by wires. (They're usually red.) These are the key surge/lightning items. As suggested by others, they sacrifice themselves a little at a time, so need replacing periodically.

Consumer Reports ran some tests many years ago and recommended a two-year cycle. These days I recommend one year, because the darn things are now so cheap. Get a unit with at least 1000 joule rating. (1 joule = 1 watt-second; 1000 joules = protection against 1000 watts for one second; a considerable hit.)

Here in NM lightning is common in the summer monsoon, small-town electrical is often problematic. My computers are working, so that's my 'badge of authority."

Regards, Doug in New Mexico