On an earlier thread, Greg Holmberg asked if he could protect his home devices from brownouts. I, too , would like to know. Is there some device that can be used? As there is no way of knowing when these brownouts occur, but understanding the damage they can cause, would it not be better to have either no power or full power? What damage would this situation do to the manufacturing industry? Telecommunications? Hospitals? I am beginning to think that we will be dealing with a lot of these brownouts, and I just do not understand enough about the problems they could bring. A general explanation would be helpful and if this has been covered please refer me to the appropriate thread. Thanks all.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 1999

Answers

Fancy meeting you here Mike! I guess you could use a UPS, like the ones used on a PC, for other sensative devices, at least for short term protection. I hear some power cos. do offer "full house" protection. Just my $.02 since many others here are far more qualified to answer this question. <:)=

-- Anonymous, March 08, 1999

For very limited applications, a "line-conditioner" with step-up/step- down solenoids may help. I have an 1800W TrippLite, which is essentially a BIG transformer with a variety of windings. The unit monitors incoming voltage, and adjusts (using solenoids) which windings are used so that output voltage is held steady (about 1/2 second response-time).

Cost a few hundred bucks. Does nothing for blackouts - just a *great* surge-suppressor and brown-out aid. Bought it for my PC years ago.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 1999

there is a 120/240 volt surge suppressor available at your home improvement stores for around $40-50 that you hook up at the breaker panel. commercial applications have saved on power usage by keeping compressors running at a lower temperature by removing spikes. as a licensed electrician, i used to sell & install these back in the 70's and recently bought one for my home.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 1999

The problem is that the utility industry and the feds are so busy telling everyone that "all will be fine, everthing is on track" that people who need to be buying these devices you have mentioned are not buying them! Disruptions are bound to occurr and business suffer burnt out equipment due to this oversight.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 1999