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Are PC surge protectors needed in the UK?
In article ,
Lem writes: Are surge protectors on the main power supply actually needed in the UK? No, at least not to protect PCs. here in the UK we have few overhead mains power lines and have a relatively steady mains power supply when compared to many other countries (including the US). However there seem to be very many surge protector products advertised for sale in the UK (Argos, Maplins, etc). Lots of people run a particular OS which is known for its instability, and you can sell them just about anything if you suggest it might make their systems more stable. Of course it doesn't, but that just means they'll try something else (except changing the OS;-). Surge protectors are one of the many items on the list that such people will try. The other issue is that the multi-way trailing socket blocks got down to the point where they're only a couple of pounds each, or even less. By adding a extra few pence worth of components, you can call them surge protected and sell them for 3 times the price. Brings in more profit. I am quite sure it is not bad practice to use a surge protector but in fact I have never known anyone who has has a problem from a surge coming in through the power supply. True. Even if you have millions of pounds worth of equipment on your supply, it isn't worth it, the occurance is so rare, so it certainly isn't for a few home PC's. What I have seen several times is damage caused by a surge induced by lightning on a phone line. Of course, the mains surge protector will do nothing to protect against that. So personally I don't bother using a surge protector on my PC. Am I being too complacent? Not in my opinion. If I saw something at less than rip-off prices for protecting against surge on phone line, I might consider that. -- Andrew Gabriel |
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