Power Trouble

[bob8779]

Hello everyone

I have been having what I think is power problems. I lose power 3 to 4 times per month for the last 4 months, and i have started losing equipment. First I lost a computer it will now only boot 50% of the time the rest it doesn't even load the Bios next I lost my modem ( My ISP replaces it for free) after that lost a fan then my PS3 Died ( Cry 20 gig model ) and now my Sony KF-E42A10 has gone yellow the only normal colour I can see is a little whole in the middle. The power outages only last 1 or 2 seconds but it is the only new problem that can explain all the fried electronics (BC hydro explained to me how they can do nothing about it Grrrr). Anyways that is my problem im sure its a power problem what is the best way to protect the equipment I have left. Everything was on power bars with serge protection I had a nice monster power bar with for my PS3 and TV but didn't seem to help. I purchased Battery Backups for both my New computer my entertainment center can anyone suggest other things I can do to save my electronices and is there anyway i can test my power to see if it truly the problem.

Thanks

[bushikatagi]

I would guess that the battery backup will solve your problem, if you want one more extra step you can look into Power Regulators. They basically make sure your power line is a clean source and get rid of any unwanted spikes and dips. As far as testing to see if your power is clean first, I don't think there is much you can do... short of having an oscilliscope.

[bob8779]

hiya is this what you mean?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812206004
and would it go between the apc es450 battery backups and the wall socket?

[davmoo]

You might check with your electric company and see if they offer any kind of whole-house spike protection. In my area (central US) they will come out and put one in place right after your meter (and of course they will also put a monthly charge on your bill).

And as you've already started doing, I'd put anything important on a battery backup.

Edit: Your battery backup will already contain something comparable to the regulating device you show with the Newegg link.

[mikec]

I know a few people who have the whole house surge protection, from the power company, and it helps. It can also protect your battery backup devices from damage as well.

Here is another question, do these outages only affect your home or is it more widespread?

If it is only your place, maybe you should have a trained electrician check your home.

[bob8779]

I live in an apartment and i an not the only one effected. Last time it happened we heard a large boom from outside the apartment. I have contacted bc hydro and have been told many times there is nothing we can do to protect your equipment so I don't think they can do the whole house protection. Hoping to get my ps3 back next week I use it to watch all my video on my now yellowing HD tv and miss having it. Funny thing happened with my tv. Everything has a yellow tint except a circle in the middle and we moved the tv to a different spot and circle of normal colour got larger by about 30%.

[thalidomiderobot]

Davmoo has the best solution, I think Patrick talked about it on an older episode of Tekzilla, a must have for home owners. Unfortunately bob8779,your situation is kind of out of your hands besides moving, which I suggest as soon as freaking possible. At some point someone should be responsible for the shear number of outages and strange happenings. And since this is happening on such a regular basis and the surges seem to be quite substantial your surge protectors and backups can only take so much, they do go bad over time. Replace your main protectors and look for joule numbers over watts for protection. At the end of the day unplug valuable electronics when not in use, save your gear, and help the planet.

[mikec]

Who does BC Hydro say is responsible? Since they are the ones delivering the power it can either be them or the people who own the building.

Additionally, what level person are you talking to at the hydro company?