Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Electronics During Power Outages and Fluctuations

This video offers essential guidance on safeguarding electronic devices during power outages and voltage fluctuations, detailing various protective measures and practical steps. It covers everything from basic power strips to advanced UPS systems and generators, ensuring devices are protected from unpredictable electrical events.

Key Points Summary

• Basic Power Strips and Quality

  Standard power strips, often referred to as 'freedom' or 'Rush,' convert one electrical outlet into multiple, typically three, for connecting various devices. It is crucial to purchase high-quality power strips with adequately thick wiring, ideally at least 1.5mm, as weak or thin wires can melt and fail, especially when powering high-demand devices like computer cases, fans, or hair dryers simultaneously.

• Electronic Device Protectors

  Dedicated protectors are essential for electronic devices and computers, differing significantly from refrigerator protectors in their voltage range, sensitivity to electrical fluctuations, and delay times. These protectors disconnect devices when voltage falls outside a specific range, usually 180-220 volts, and introduce a delay (e.g., 1-5 minutes) after power returns to ensure stability before reconnecting, thereby safeguarding against damaging surges. When purchasing, specifying a protector for 'electronic devices and computers' is important.

• Power Outage Protocols

  Before a scheduled power outage, it is advisable to manually turn off devices about 10 minutes in advance. When power unexpectedly goes out, avoid immediately turning devices back on when it returns; instead, disconnect them at the circuit breaker or fuse and wait for the power to stabilize. This prevents damage from sudden surges or fluctuations, which can cause equipment like chargers to explode, as observed in an iPhone charger incident.

• Oscillation Catchers (Voltage Stabilizers)

  An oscillation catcher, or voltage stabilizer, is a device that controls electricity oscillation and provides a constant current to the house, protecting sensitive electronics. These devices typically start at around 10 million units of currency and are best installed on the main control panel, though outlet-plugged versions exist at a higher cost. They are particularly beneficial for protecting expensive computer equipment and are considered a necessary investment in unstable electrical environments.

• Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) Systems

  A UPS, or Uninterrupted Power Supply, is a battery-based system placed in the electrical path that supplies temporary power during an outage, allowing users sufficient time to save work and properly shut down devices. Prices range from 20 million to 300 million units of currency, depending on the model and battery capacity. While industrial UPS can power entire houses, standard models are designed for temporary power to critical devices, allowing for graceful shutdowns and basic connectivity like powering a modem, and recharge once grid power is restored.

• Generators

  Generators, available in diesel or gasoline models, provide sustained electricity to a house or specific circuits during extended power outages. They can be manual or automatic, with costs ranging from 100 million to 700 million units of currency depending on the brand (e.g., American, Korean, Iranian models) and power output (kilowatts) and fuel consumption. While they can sustain essential items like lights and modems, smaller generators may not power high-demand appliances like air conditioners for an entire building. Automatic switches can seamlessly transfer power to the generator when the main grid fails.

• Portable Power Stations

  Small, portable power stations, sometimes from brands like Camper, offer 220-volt output and function as large power banks. They are suitable for powering single light bulbs, charging mobile phones, or running a few small devices for several hours, providing limited utility during an outage, but are not designed to supply power to an entire house's electrical system.

• Desktop PC Power Management

  For desktop computers, after a power outage, it is recommended to unplug the power cable from the PC and repeatedly press the power button. This action helps discharge any residual electricity stored in the power supply's capacitors, mitigating the risk of damage from subsequent power fluctuations when electricity is restored. It is crucial not to touch internal components without electrostatic gloves due to the retained charge.

• Electrical Safety During Outages

  During a power outage, it is crucial to avoid plugging in or unplugging any devices from wall sockets. Keeping everything disconnected or away from the socket during unstable power periods is a general safety measure to protect both devices and users from potential electrical hazards and sudden fluctuations upon power restoration.

• Power Fluctuation Damage Compensation

  Individuals can claim compensation for damages to electrical appliances caused by power fluctuations from insurance providers or the power company. This can be done online through platforms like bmeh.twanair.org by filing a complaint, declaring damages, and providing incident details within 15 days of the event. A technician will inspect the damage and offer compensation, though it often amounts to only a fraction of the actual replacement cost (e.g., 3 million for a 120 million TV).

• Interpreting Protector Indicator Lights

  Many electronic device protectors feature indicator lights that signal current voltage status: green for correct voltage (220V), yellow for testing/stabilizing oscillation, and red for voltage below 220V. If the light remains red, indicating prolonged low voltage, it is critical to turn off the main circuit breaker to prevent severe damage to devices, as persistent low voltage can be more destructive than a complete power outage.

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