Random Hardware topics

[Zed Clampet]

While this is specifically happening to my laptop, it is also a warning for desktops, where the situation would be harder to figure out. Long story short, my laptop is refusing the power provided by my surge protector. This means that something is wrong with the surge protector. So if you have a laptop and it refuses to charge, and it's plugged into a surge protector. Plug it in anywhere else and see if it starts charging.

The problem is that the laptop can do this because of the power pack. A desktop won't react the same way, possibly up until the faulty power kills something. But if there is a warning sign, it is usually random reboots or coil whine.

In fact, it isn't recommended to plug your PC/laptop into a surge protector at all. You should be using a Pure Sine Wave UPS.

Yay, I learned something today.

 

[Colif]

In fact, it isn't recommended to plug your PC/laptop into a surge protector at all. You should be using a Pure Sine Wave UPS.

do you have a source for that? I am curious.

HP suggest a surge protector first over UPS

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-protect-computer-from-power-surges

I always use a Belkin surge protector power board. And I know its safe still as both of its lights are on in the same locations they were when I got it. Also have a spare 8 port one now for when I get a monitor. Current one is about 5 years old.

Thought about a UPS but if the surge protection only lasts one surge, it seems a waste of money to me.

I just unplug PC if there are any storms around. Cheaper than buying a UPS in my mind.

 

[Zed Clampet]

do you have a source for that? I am curious.

HP suggest a surge protector first over UPS

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-protect-computer-from-power-surges

I always use a Belkin surge protector power board. And I know its safe still as both of its lights are on in the same locations they were when I got it. Also have a spare 8 port one now for when I get a monitor. Current one is about 5 years old.

Thought about a UPS but if the surge protection only lasts one surge, it seems a waste of money to me.

I just unplug PC if there are any storms around. Cheaper than buying a UPS in my mind.

I can't find the link again, and I already cleaned out my browser. It was a link I followed from CoPilot. I'd never heard of the site, so there's that.

I can't even remember exactly what the logic was. I may see if CoPilot can pull up the conversation again and try to get the link. Something about supplying more consistent power when there are fluctuations that don't trigger the power surge protection.

But after thinking about it more, I'd already decided just to grab another surge protector. It's for my laptop, which doesn't need battery backup.

 

[Colif]

Yet the common “surge protector vs UPS” debate is based on a misconception. These devices are not alternatives to each other. A Power Surge Protector provides surge protection, while a UPS offers backup power to prevent data loss and unexpected shutdowns.

Because they solve different problems, many users search for terms like “UPS surge protector” or “UPS with surge protection”, hoping to understand how the two should work together.

Surge Protector vs UPS: Core Differences & Selection Guide - LSP

What's the difference between a surge protector and a UPS? Find out when to use each, how to connect them, and how to ensure full power surge protection and battery backup.

lsp.global

you can have both. They are complimentary, you can use both or a UPS with surge protection.

I may get one as although power outages are rare, who knows about future.

Seems correct order is Plug UPS into wall and run surge protection off it.

@anort3 has been trying to get me to buy one... i could now but waiting to pay for monitor before i buy anything else.