And this is a great article about surge protectors ...
http://stormhighway.com/surge_protec...ction_myth.php
After reading this I think I'll plug my machine into a good UPS with a built in surge protector, it is not unusual to have the power come off and on 4-5 times in an hour where I currently live. Currently I'm using just a surge protector but I think that may be inadequate because of the frequent power outages. The house has a backup generator and I wonder if it causes a surge when it kicks in?