Interesting that this posting is still 'alive'! lol When I was teaching machine embroidery classes I had the most difficult time convincing my class that a Battery Back Up Surge Protector was a very important item to purchase for their very expensive machines! No one had even heard of such a thing in 2001/2002! The area where I live has a lot of power variations every day. As soon as someone told me about surge protectors I went out and purchased one, it cost me $50 for one that has 12 minutes of battery before shutting down. It works perfectly, plenty of time to back out and shut down my embroidery machines. I also ALWAYS take it in our RV as campground are notorious for electric surges or brownouts! I would never be without one again. WE have them on our computers and well as our Home Theater system components too. BBSP's are critically important with these computerized machines! Way too much money spent on my machines to take a chance.. just my 2 cents worth and JMHO.