That’s a really good question! Over the years our family has lost numerous computors, printers, scanners and monitors to a power surge. Yes, we had them plugged into surge protectors and thought they were safe. However, as we found out surge protectors protect a computer only one time. Once a power surge went through, they’re done*. You might as well plug your computer (or any other electronics like tv, scanner, printer, etc.) straight into the wall outlet.

A few years back, after our 3rd of 4th computer had been fried by a power surge, we called Juvio to find out if any of the data could be saved. That’s when the technician there gave us the great advice to invest into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Battery Backup Surge Protector. Ever since all our electronics have been plugged into APC Surge Protectors.

Well, until two weeks ago, when I found my computer plugged into a regular surge protector strip by our son, after coming back from vacation. By the time I noticed it, it was too late. That afternoon we had numerous power surges and I just knew I had lost yet another computer. I unplugged it immediately and when I tried to turn it back on a few hours later there was no sign of life. Hoping for a miracle, I tried a couple of more times during the week. Nothing. The results were always the same.

So, my husband and I went out and bought – yet another – computer. When we took it to Best Buy to have the old data transfered over to the new computer we were in for a big surprise. As soon as the technician hooked it up and turned on the power…it came back to life and started right up. How could that be? I had tried the same thing several times at home to no avail. Even changed power cords. It was dead. (Funny thing, the same thing had happened to the young lady infront of us in the customer service line.) But whatever had happened, I was very happy that it worked and I still had all my data.

The tech told us that sometimes that happens after power surges hit a computer. Guess we were lucky. He also reaffirmed the importance of having your electronics plugged into uninterruptible power supply so they receive an even amount of power. No spikes, no lowes. Spikes from power surges can destroy electronics…as we found out numerous times.

You can find APC Surge Protectors at Best Buy and Walmart.

P.S. * As we found out from our friendly tech at Best Buy, there are also new (regular) surge protectors now that do work more than once and have a “reset” button. However, they do not protect your computer more than a couple of times. So, since there’s not that much difference in price you might as well invest in an uninterruptible power supply surge protector.

I would love to hear your comments. Especially if something similar has happened to you.