We recently had a problem with electricity fluttering and sputtering for a good 2 hours. I should have turned OFF my computer right away, but like an idiot kept waiting for it to start working again. Luckily, my computer did not die. I did not lose everything. My back-up drives did not get fried from power surges.
However, I realized that our surge protector outlets were jam packed and old. Sooo... I checked out Amazon and found this. Wow! 22 Outlets! Woohoo! And 6 USB ports!
But you know what? Those AC to DC electrical converter plugs take up a lot of room. Sooo... I do still have room, but not as much an abundance of space as I'd hoped.
Then I noticed the 2100 J on the box and wondered what that was. It's JOULES. I found this explanation on the Tripp-Lite website:
A joule is a measure of energy released over a period of time. For example, an average lightning strike releases about one billion joules of energy over a fraction of a second.
A surge protector joule rating indicates how much energy it can absorb before it fails. The higher the number of joules, the greater the surge protection provided. Keys to determining the amount of protection needed include the type and value of the equipment to be protected.
So do I have enough joules? I didn't even think to check that. This is what the website said:
A unit with up to 1000 joules of surge protection is adequate for these small electronics. Some components have sensitive circuitry requiring protection, but don’t store extensive data. Units with surge protector ratings of 1000 to 2000 joules will provide sufficient protection for power tools and office equipment such as printers, copiers and routers. Consider the highest joule ratings—2000 and above—for home theater components, gaming consoles and any computer that stores important data… anything from customer lists to financial information to irreplaceable photos and personal records.
Fingers crossed that I have enough. Then again, we don't get lightning strikes much. I think.
The main thing is... I will try to remember to turn off my computer quickly the next time we get some kind of Hawaiian Electric problem again.
When an outage occurs, my surge protector beeps until I turn it off. Crawling under the taller to turn it off is so much fun.
ReplyDeleteWhen I moved to Hawaii, I was told that I'd never hear thunder or see lightning unless a hurricane was coming. It was true during my time there. Is that just a myth? Thank you for that information though. I did not know about this.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a myth because I've heard thunder and seen lightning from my window here in Hawaii. Mom has even mentioned there once being hail in a nearby town. That must have been cool. This is when I was living in Illinois. I do have to say thunder and lightning are pretty rare in Hawaii though. I have a friend here in Hawaii who was visiting me in Illinois several decades ago. We happened to be having a huge thunder/lightning storm in Chicago that rattled the windows. She came running out of the guest room totally shocked. Art and I had gotten used to it. I wonder if climate change will alter the weather patterns here in Hawaii.
DeleteI've lost one computer power supply and refrigerator control board over the years to lightening strike surges so I try to take precautions by turning off electronics when a thunderstorm is near and using surge protectors. But some of my surge protectors are getting old and technology is changing fast so I need to look at upgrades. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds good!
ReplyDeleteLin Floyd says just another important reminder to protect our electronics. When a thunder-lightning storm is expected here I unplug my iPhone which is charging overnight, then I can sleep better. Also have surge protectors on computers.
ReplyDeleteIt's awful to get an electronics item fried because sometimes nothing can be recovered off it. That's a fancy looking surge protector. Strangely, John was just talking about joules to me yesterday. He's an electronics expert and I am NOT.
ReplyDeleteGlad your computer survived the surges. You made me realize I really need to replace my OLD surge protectors. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI have smaller surge protectors and I also am having my electrician run more wires to new outlets. It is fun to point and show where I want them to go. The more the better, right?
ReplyDeleteHasn't happened to me...yet.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how many Joules our surge protector has. Maybe I should check.
ReplyDeleteAlways something new to learn here on your posts.
I get off my computer during storm.
ReplyDeleteMy surge protector is exactly like Anvil's. Crawl under the desk...
ReplyDeleteEven with surge protectors, I try to turn off my PC if a storm is happening. I never thought about a friend visiting who wasn't used to thunder and lightening storms. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI shall have to be more careful next time since this could happen again.
DeleteYeah, when the electricity is weird it's best to unplug I would think. I'm really glad you got that protection for yourself. Kay. I'm wishing you guys a wonderful weekend
ReplyDeleteMy guy always turns everything off when storms come through. I'll have to check out that surge protector. Thanks, Kay.
ReplyDeleteA friend electrician told me that the surge protectors wear out over time and should be changed regularly...not sure how often or hou much time will pass, but I alwasy worry about that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the warning. I just bought two more other surge protectors that are specifically supposed to be good for office machines like computers, etc.
DeleteI just bought one that only has 8 outlets on it. I knew I would need more for Halloween lights.
ReplyDeleteHasn't happened to me...yet.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend.
All the best Jan
What a great find. Well done. Hope you are all well!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how old my surge protectors are. I am sure they are old though. I never thought about them wearing out..
ReplyDelete