Yes, but this thread started over a week ago. He seems to have gone away after arguing with a chap who really tried to help him.
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How necessary is a surge protector for an iMac? OK to plug directly into outlet?
- Thread starter Amnesiac1
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voltage fluctuations
Where I live, there is constant voltage fluctuation from 180-220 Volts. There's nothing i can do about it. I use a voltguard. But, what I want to know is- is it OK to use my macbook pro under this sort of voltage coming through? Will the MAGSAFE adapter protect the macbook? PLease Help!
Where I live, there is constant voltage fluctuation from 180-220 Volts. There's nothing i can do about it. I use a voltguard. But, what I want to know is- is it OK to use my macbook pro under this sort of voltage coming through? Will the MAGSAFE adapter protect the macbook? PLease Help!
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Where I live, there is constant voltage fluctuation from 180-220 Volts. There's nothing i can do about it. I use a voltguard. But, what I want to know is- is it OK to use my macbook pro under this sort of voltage coming through? Will the MAGSAFE adapter protect the macbook? PLease Help!
That's normal. Since AC power is sinusoidal it will fluctuate many times per second.
I've had a few computers hit by surges (one by a dopey electrician that wired the outlet to 240VAC) and what usually fails is the power supply. There's almost always a varistor type surge protector wired into the supply input that will short out after taking a surge. The iMac supply probably has this too, but does not mean it will be able to turn back on after a surge. I would still use an external suppressor.
I'd use a surge protector on a desktop if you're in an area that gets thunderstorms. It might save you from a near-strike. A good UPS is even better -- when my friend had a severe over volt condition happen at her house, a lot of electrical equipment got blown (TV, AC, kitchen appliances) but her Mac Pro & other computer equipment was behind a UPS and didn't have any problems.
For a laptop, I wouldn't bother -- as senseless says, the most likely part to go out is the power supply, and since that's external, you're much safer.
For a laptop, I wouldn't bother -- as senseless says, the most likely part to go out is the power supply, and since that's external, you're much safer.
Here's my take.
Is it necessary? No.
Would it make you feel better to use a surge protector? If yes, go buy one. If no, Stop here.
Would you rather have a UPS instead? If yes, go buy one. If not, proceed to previous question.
Done - Easy Peasy.
BTW: I use a UPS on all my desktop computers. Laptops I just plug into the wall.
Is it necessary? No.
Would it make you feel better to use a surge protector? If yes, go buy one. If no, Stop here.
Would you rather have a UPS instead? If yes, go buy one. If not, proceed to previous question.
Done - Easy Peasy.
BTW: I use a UPS on all my desktop computers. Laptops I just plug into the wall.
At work I have a spare UPS under my desk. When unplugged, it complains loudly. Having no pressing reason to discard it (besides simple disuse), and not wanting to deal with the noise until its rather substantial battery dies from prolonged screaming, it remains plugged in under my desk.
DON'T waste your money on an APC UPS unless it's the $205 300W one or better.
If you look up the power requirements for the 27 inch iMac at 310W, even that one will only keep it running for less than 2 minutes after a power failure.
http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=29&tab=models
http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html
You might as well just buy a normal surge protector if you're going with anything lower.
Edit: it looks like You can go down to the $70 one actually. I'm not sure the differences between them.
If you look up the power requirements for the 27 inch iMac at 310W, even that one will only keep it running for less than 2 minutes after a power failure.
http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=29&tab=models
http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html
You might as well just buy a normal surge protector if you're going with anything lower.
Edit: it looks like You can go down to the $70 one actually. I'm not sure the differences between them.
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just buy a refurbished apc
I have 3 units from this seller below;
http://stores.ebay.com/ExcessUPS?_trksid=p4340.l2563
this is a perfect unit for any iMac
http://www.ebay.com/itm/APC-SMART-U...r_Supplies&hash=item19d0fa356e#ht_4870wt_1390
I own this one above. He is a good seller
thanks a lot, but i am really concerned about the constant fluctuations/// how much can the magsafe adapter take? lol that sounded funny
This is just for Americans and their low voltage outlets right, we don't need to worry about it?
I use surge protector plugboards for expensive electronics. On the few occasions where power has cut out around the house for a couple of seconds my macs are inexplicably the only thing that stays on. I don't have a UPS but it happened with both my G5 Powermac and my C2D iMac. They somehow seem to retain enough power for a momentary cut. My PCs, tv, monitor etc turn off, and the house alarm starts, but Apple desktops somehow shrug it off. So weird.