wrote in message
ups.com...
It's hooked up to an Electricord six-prong surge
protector, which it shares with my computer, my
computer speaker system (rarely turned on), a digital
alarm clock and...er, a large, old, and
energy-sucking air conditioner.

I really *would not* plug an air conditioner into a surge protector, for
several reasons. The air conditioner may exceed the power rating of the
surge protector. The motor may generate various startup and shutdown
spikes of just the kind you are trying to protect your computer
equipment from. Lastly, an air conditioner is unlikely to gain any
benefit from a surge protector. Your printer and computer equipment
would likely be much happier on a separate circuit.

Regards,
Bob Headrick