Hello Geektimes! Just recently we talked about the health of geeks, how not to become sour in old age if you don’t really have time to play sports or go to the gym. Today we will talk about health again, but not about human health, but about computer health. To be precise, it’s about how to protect your computer from power surges and other short circuits.
Of course, experienced users do not need to explain the need to use voltage stabilizers and uninterruptible power supplies. And even more so tell them why and how they work. However, no one is born immediately with knowledge in their head, and indeed repetition is the mother of learning. So it’s never a bad idea to touch on such an important topic. So, this is the plan - we will quickly look at situations in which a computer can “catch” high voltage, how and how to protect against this, and what protective devices are available.
Why do power surges happen?
Before understanding how to protect against power surges, you should first understand what it is and why it occurs.
The reason for the appearance of voltage surges in dry technical language is called “phase imbalance”. What's the matter here? In the Russian Federation, a three-phase power supply system is most often used to supply residential buildings, enterprises and institutions: three phases of 220 volts with a phase shift of 120 degrees, as well as a “zero” wire. Between any of the phases and “zero” in normal operation there is our usual 220-volt voltage (it is called phase voltage), and between each phase there is 380 volts (line voltage). But sometimes it happens that either the voltage jumps sharply in one of the phases, or the “zero” fails (a break occurs or the resistance increases), which leads to imbalance. Thus, an arbitrarily increased voltage suddenly arises in the electrical network, which can literally burn out the wiring and connected household appliances (even if it is not so high, the lifespan of the devices will still be shortened by such “shocks”).
Why is this happening? There are a lot of reasons. The most common for our region: accidents at large enterprises that consume a LOT of electricity; simultaneous turning on of heaters in an apartment building in the cold; poor-quality adjustment of electrical equipment after replacement; accidents on lines (for example, trees falling on power lines); overload of transformer substations, etc.
In fact, the very architecture of modern (and old, like the 60-70s) electrical networks provides by default that the voltage in them can and will “jump”, but even the most modern and protected ones physically will not be able to withstand the “drop” of voltage from large plant or a complete break from “zero”. Thus, even modern apartment buildings are not 100% protected from phase imbalance, so you will have to protect yourself. This can be done using special devices - surge protectors, voltage stabilizers or uninterruptible power supplies.
The best security tapes on the market
Having explained the above, we are going to tell you what we think are the best security strips you can buy; They all use the highest quality materials and connections, from reputable brands (especially those made by UPS manufacturers who know what they are doing) and, of course, come equipped with protection against electrical problems (some even have insurance that compensates the user if any of the connected devices have electrical problems due to the extension cord not doing its job).
APC surge protection characteristics
By all accounts, this strikes us as the best power strip you can buy, and it has it all. It is manufactured by APC, a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, the best known brand of electrical panels and components whose UPS have been top sellers for many years, so starting with this we know that we are looking at the highest quality power strip.
It includes eight outlets with a Schuko plug rotated 90 degrees for convenience and to keep plugs from bumping into each other, in addition to a cable organizer at one end for added convenience. Three of these sockets, labeled "Always On," are designed for transformers, and the other socket, labeled "PLC Compatible," is specifically designed to connect PLCs without interfering with their data transmission.
In addition to this, it has coaxial input and output for filtering the antenna signal, as well as network connectors for the same purpose. It supports up to 2,200 watts of maximum power, increases the amperage to 40,000 amps, and includes a lifetime equipment protection policy with compensation of up to 100,000 euros if any connected device has electrical problems due to an extension cord. It has a fuse that you won't need to replace in case of power surges.
Brennenstuhl Premium Line
We are faced with strip manufactured to industry standards and with the highest quality construction and components. It includes a replaceable fuse, has 8 Schuko outlets rotated 45 degrees for easy wiring, and of course they are all surge protected. It supports power up to 2200 watts and surges up to 30,000 amps, which is ideal for withstanding thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
EATON protective box
EATON is another manufacturer known for its industrial UPS products, and this is again synonymous with quality. This strip has 8 Schoko outlets, all surge and lightning protected, and includes two RJ-11 phone line ports (with filter). This band is also double protected as it also includes linear filtering to eliminate peaks and noise. It comes with a two-year warranty and includes compensation of up to €2,50,000 in case of damage to any equipment connected to it due to a faulty extension cord.
Salicru SPS.Safe 7
If you don't want to spend a lot of money but still want surge protection, this power strip is one of the best options. Salicru, known for its UPS, is a brand that, although not of APC or Brennenstuhl quality, uses excellent welding in its parallel connectors and is a guarantee of good performance. This strip contains 8 Schuko sockets, rotated 45 degrees for convenience, and has a cable channel at one end.
Belkin SurgeStrip
This is another cheap option, but is especially suitable for users who don't want a larger strip than the previous ones, as it provides six Schuko sockets (all with surge protection) in line and with a plug. rotated 45 degrees for greater ease of connection.
Trust 21059
We've come to the end with the cheapest extension cord on this list, but still a quality one, from a trusted manufacturer, and with surge protection. If all the previous models seemed expensive and you were not convinced, do not hesitate to buy this strip before one "Chinese" because at least you will protect your computer for very little money.
In this case, it has six Schuko sockets, rotated 45 degrees for convenience, and has a switch and an LED status indicator.
Network filter
The most inexpensive and accessible device for suppressing impulse noise and small power surges. Most models will not be able to save you from a serious phase shift, but in most “ordinary” cases it will be quite enough to prevent your computer’s power supply from bursting into flames. Surge filters suppress voltage surges with a special built-in circuit, and more advanced models have a fuse to completely de-energize the connected equipment in the event of a significant phase shift. If you don’t keep your computer turned on around the clock for work or other needs, and you rarely observe power surges, then a surge protector will be enough to work quietly and not worry about the health of your computer. In addition, it will simultaneously serve as a fitting (splitter).
One of the most popular models is SVEN Optima. Nothing supernatural, but it works and people are happy. The cable length and housing color can be selected in the configurator. Do you need more sockets? Pay attention to SVEN Optima Pro. Well, if you want something more serious, take APC SurgeArrest, you won’t regret it.
Grounding
All electrical appliances, of course, must be grounded. In general, grounding, to put it very simply, is a third wire (two of them - phase and zero), coming to the socket to a special grounding circuit, and then going into the electrical panel to a special terminal and then into the ground.
To know for sure whether there is a ground, you need a voltage indicator, or PIN.
How to proceed?
- Insert the PIN into both holes of the socket; if the light comes on, it means there is voltage;
- Pull out one PIN probe and touch the ground with it; if the light comes on, then there is a ground, and if not, the next step is taken;
- Insert the probe back and pull out the second one, touch the ground again - if the light comes on, then there is a ground, respectively, if it does not light, there is no ground.
Surge Protectors
A more advanced option, suitable not only for home, but also for office and even industrial use. Stabilizers are capable of supplying an even voltage to the connected equipment regardless of any fluctuations or interference, and if the voltage rises above the permissible limits, they are automatically turned off. The key advantage of stabilizers is that one device is capable of servicing many computers and other home and office equipment at once with a significantly higher degree of reliability compared to surge protectors. Stabilizers differ from each other in a host of different parameters, but the most important are the input and output voltage ranges, rated power and number of sockets. This model can be safely chosen for home use: up to 2 kW, a small number of complaints and returns, and an attractive price.
Where you should never shop
Avoid markets and layouts, do not be fooled by the tempting prices of private advertisements : here there is a high probability of running into a fake or low-quality product from a dubious manufacturer.
Buy both arresters and stabilizers with UPS in trusted stores with product certificates. And you don’t need to go anywhere, waste time and fuel, to meditate thoughtfully in front of shelves with goods. Everything is available in specialized online electrical stores with catalogs and a selection of all important parameters.
Trust reliable devices from manufacturers who value their reputation, invest in technological improvements and provide warranties for their products.
Prepared with technical support
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Created primarily to ensure correct shutdown of the computer if the power suddenly goes out, however, they also protect against power surges. In essence, a UPS is a stabilizer that has its own battery. Depending on the battery capacity, uninterruptible power supplies can provide from 5 minutes to half an hour of autonomous computer operation. UPSs are especially relevant if you are unlucky and you live/work surrounded by completely decrepit electrics, which regularly “please” with power surges and failures, or if your neighbors regularly test their indoor railgun.
If you want to protect your home mini-server, gaming or graphics station, feel free to take APC Back-UPS: it can withstand up to 700 W of power consumption and will definitely allow you to save all important documents. Well, if you need the “best” UPS to protect, for example, a workshop with expensive equipment, then pay attention to its older brother.
No. 7 – Power Cube SPG-B-10-BLACK
Price: 880 rubles
In reviews, users note the length of the cable, which in the case of the Power Cube SPG-B-10-BLACK is three meters. Due to this, the model is perfect as an extension cord for owners whose sockets in the apartment are not located very well. Its body is made of black color, there are two holes for mounting the filter on the wall. It is assembled from high-quality plastic, which does not emit an unpleasant odor during operation.
There are 5 sockets in the filter, each of them is suitable for charging devices with European plugs. It is difficult to find fault with their quality - the devices are fixed tightly and easily. The red button has a light indication and is tight enough that you will not be able to turn off the filter located under the computer desk by accidentally touching it with your foot. The model does not have any significant disadvantages. In terms of price-quality ratio, this is an extremely advantageous offer.
Power Cube SPG-B-10-BLACK
Other preventive measures
Unplug your computer during thunderstorms.
Yes, even if you have a stabilizer. And don't be afraid that it will seem funny to someone. You may have the last laugh when comedians go to stores to buy new power supplies to replace the burned ones. In addition, due to a thunderstorm, the network card in a working computer can burn out if the voltage in the Internet equipment jumps - I wouldn’t believe it if this hadn’t happened to me once.
Unplug your computer if you are away from home for a long period of time.
Another banality, which also smacks of the paranoia of the older generation, nurtured on imperfect Soviet household appliances. But nevertheless, if you plan to disappear from home for a couple of days, do not be lazy to turn off the computer and unplug it. You never know.
Keep the electrical wiring in your home in good condition.
So that there are no exposed, hanging, twisted or broken wires! Are there any obvious problems? Don’t skimp, call an electrician and, if necessary, have them replace problematic circuit elements (it’s also not recommended to skimp on consumables).
Why buy security tapes?
PCs are usually constantly connected to a power source. This means that they are particularly vulnerable to the electrical problems inherent in any installation, especially if it is old or of poor quality, and although power supplies already have various protection systems, they only work when the source is switched on. , so it's never a bad idea to install an extra shield between the electrical outlet and our valuable equipment.
These protection strips incorporate a number of electronic mechanisms that not only prevent overvoltage problems, but in many cases act as a filter to eliminate or reduce electrical noise, and the energy reaching it is already basic, much more cleansing to the power source, which will increase its efficiency and reduce the temperature, reducing the load on its own filters.
No. 2 – Xiaomi MiJia Intelligent Power Strip 4
Price: 1,300 rubles
Xiaomi MiJia Intelligent Power Strip 4 – like other products of the Chinese brand, offers interesting functionality at an affordable price. The popular model has four outlets with an individual switch for each, which is useful in terms of saving electricity. Each of them is equipped with protective curtains. This will be useful for those who have small and curious children at home. The model is also equipped with three USB ports, suitable for charging mobile gadgets and other equipment.
The body is made of high quality polycarbonate, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 750 degrees Celsius. Additional protection is achieved by the fact that parts in contact with high current are made of fire-resistant plastic. The model does not have any disadvantages, one can only find fault with the white body, which gets dirty extremely easily.
Xiaomi MiJia Intelligent Power Strip 4
