I'm wondering how many of you fine people have your sewing machines (especially the computerized ones) plugged into surge protectors. If so, what is the rating for your surge protector? When I went to Walmart to look at them, there were different varieties for different applications ie. small appliances, home entertainment, etc. The ones rated for larger electronics were of course more expensive. I don't really understand the need for different kinds...isn't a power surge going to trip the breaker regardless of what is plugged into it? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. :?:

Honestly I didn't know there was a difference in them. I all watch for answers.

This is a good topic!!!I use one on my computer, one that was recommended by my tech. I do have a computerized sewing machine and your right we should have one on these for power outages plus power surges. I do unplug mine when not in use.but to be one the safe side I should use a power surger. I too shall be looking forward to the answers here.
sass

I do know if you have a computerized machine, we are supposed to have a surge protector. I thought it was 1200 jewels (the rating) but have heard it is more since then. I will double check but for some reason I'm thinking 3600 jewels.......

We are REMC so I use surge protectors on just about everything (computers are on UPS)

I usually buy the highest rated strip protector - why chinch on a $20 surge protector if you are using a $4000 sewing machine?

During storms everything is unplugged - even stuff on surge protectors/UPS - they can't handle a surge from a lightning strike.

Surge protectors don't neccessarily prevent ALL the current from getting to your equipment. The different sizes allow for the 'draw' of power each item demands. ( If you only have your sewing machine & perhaps a table lamp plugged into an outlet - then you only need buy a lower rated - small appliance - protector. )
Electrical surges don't always originate from the power line to your home. Think about lightening strikes - they'll hit the outlets before they get to the circuit breaker box.
Hope this helps Ladies!

My modern and LA machines are connected to a UPS that provides voltage regulation as well. On my other machines, I just use a standard high quality surge strip.

I am using the UPS (uninterruptible power source) that I had for my desktop system. Now I use a laptop so thought I would keep it for my Ellisimo. Where I live, the power is supplied by some little hamsters on exercise wheels and when they take a break, usually once or twice a day, our power flickers or goes out just long enough to have to reset all the clocks!

Also did you know that the surge protectors typically bought (cheaper ones like from Wal-Mart) are usually no good after they have been hit by one surge? That is what I was told by an electrician.

Some of the better surge protectors also have "insurance" for your electronics, appliances, etc.

It makes me nervous to hear one surge can render your strip useless against future surges. Now I'm wondering how many strips around my house are "blown" and giving me a false sense of security. By the way, it is a common misconception that all power strips are surge protectors. This topic came up among my friends lately and about half of them were under that impression.

I don't unplug my machine when I'm done. Are you telling me I should wheather there is a storm or not?

Surge protectors protects the items plugged into it by absorbing the electrical surge, especially when your power goes out and then comes right back on. They are rated by the amount of surge they can absorb that is why you have various "joles" (pronounced jewels) The USUALLY have some type of insurance with them. This will be printed on the box. Not all power surges will trip your electric breakers. They also help protect from LOW AMP DRAWS.

A low amp draw is when your power "dims" down when something comes on and then returns to normal. Your surge protector will "store" some energy so when the power goes down your items will remain the same. Electronic items are damaged more from a low amp draw than a power surge.

When using a surge protector, the items that require more power should be plugged in nearest the power source, where the power cord comes into the protector. Be watchful of WHAT is plugged into the protector. If you have a sewing machine plugged into the protector, don't plug your iron into the same strip. Irons are power hungry items just look at the wattage of the iron. Irons are usually 1000 watts and up. Usually when the iron kicks on to heat, power to the other items is compromised. This can cause damage to circuit boards in other items. Also, because of the wattage of an iron, it is better to be plugged directly into the wall and preferably into another socket than the protector.

It is also a good idea to replace the surge protector every 12 to 18 months. They do wear down. There are constant surge and low amp draws in electricity. These may not be enough to trip your breakers but can be enough to damage other things not protected. Good example of this fact is a light bulb.

Since we are on this subject, please review your home owners or content insurance. The insurance with the protector is not much so don't depend on that. Talk to your insurance agent. Most insurance policies put a "cap" on the amount to be paid for certain items. Today sewing machines go into several thousand dollars but your insurance policy may only pay $150 because of the "cap". You may be thinking you don't want to pay out more money for insurance but believe me when I say it is money well spent. You may say you have "replacement insurance" which is great but they still have a "cap" on payout! Whenever you buy additional equipment be sure to talk to your insurance carrier to make sure it will be covered as well.

I unplug mine for peace of mind.

sass

As far as surge protectors becoming useless after one trip, I can only offer my anecdote. Whenever we run our toaster and microwave at the same time, it overloads the circuit (we have an old house.), then we have to go into the garage to reset the switch. The best solution is to not run them at the same time, but sometimes we forget. Now that we have a surge protector, we can just flip the little switch, instead of having to go all the way out to the garage. My guess is that it's happened at least half-a-dozen times in the last year, and it still works. I don't know how common this is.

I just looked at it, and I can't find the rating, although I can say it's more of a middle of the line. Clear as mud, right?

Crashnquilt, you are a wealth of valuable information. Thank you.

I have my machines plugged into a surge protector. I'm not sure what they're rated; my husband picked them out to make sure they were high enough quality to suit him! :) But my 6600 and 11000 are unplugged every night anyway.

I always unplug my electronic sewing machines when not in use. I also have a commerical type surge protector which ran over 200.00. Well worth it if you live in the country or where you have thunder storms.

this board is so great....this has been my electrical class for the day. thank you great info

Abso-flippin-lutely my machine is on a surge protector. After losing a computer, phone, tv and a few other misc appliances when lightening struck just up the street, I found out the hard way. Also - make sure if your computer is connected to the phone - for fax or dial up, that you have a surge protector that also protects the phone line.

I have my machine plugged into one. Don't remember the rating but I picked it up at a computer store and told them that it was for a computerized sewing machine.

Just one thing: it's "joules."

I always unplug mine. It cost too much to risk.

ME TOO!!!!! its horrible. and yes I have mine on the same type hubby has on his computers.. Why would my sewing machines deserve any less than his computers?? Id rather bite the bullet then take the hit..

I guess I had best be off to get me a surge protector. I also have a 6600 & 11000 and never thought about unplugging them when not in use. My computer is protected and it's cost was less than my 11000 - oh my what was I thinking! Thanks so much for sharing, and all the awesome information. Love this board.

My surge protector on the computer took a hit from a surge last year and a newone for the computer cost about $100. Well worth the money. I also got another one that wasn't with backup for the sewing machines. Figured if it fried the one, it probably did something to the other. BTW, my sewing machines were not plugged in at the time.

I always unplug! And like some if the rest of you, my machines are worth way more than my computers. I really appreciate this topic. Someone wanna make it even easier and just tell me exactly which one I should buy? I went to look and it was mind boggling-like the detergent aisle. Remember when it was just Cheer, All, and Tide? Crest, Colgate, and Aquafresh was new!? Sometimes too much choice is overwhelming.

I completely agree, I have been an IT consultant, besides being a Chef for many years :roll: and Surge protectors work to a point. Simply they "iron/level out" the power that comes in your home, which is not stable because it is "AC" meaning Alternating current.

Surge Protectors WILL NOT protect any of your equipment against lightening strikes and the like and just turning off an electrical item does not protect you either. Sorry Ladies but to be safe you really must, before going to bed, going away for any length of time or in the event of a storm UNPLUG ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, where possible. I know you can't do that with wired in ones, like a cooker and you can't do it with freezers/fridges but it really is important to do it with TVs; PCs and your precious sewing machines. And again I agree with Crashnquilt, don't plug your Iron into a surge protector there is no point anyway.

Sorry to go on but I have seen some terrible results caused just by not understanding how these things work.

I don't know the makes where you are so go to a proper electrical shop and ask their advice, or do a Google and buy the best that you can buy, as you said your machines are worth it.

I agree with all said above.

If you talk to someone "in the know" they will tell you the same thing. The strips may "appear" to still work well, but when the time comes that you really need it to work and it doesn't? The damage will cost you more than the replacement strip would have :wink:

The cheaper strips are a convenience for lamps, and other inexpensive items, Not for your expensive electronics.

All in all, it is better to unplug your electronics during storms, AND place the plugs a ways away from your outlets too. Use the strips for unexpected surges/power downs :D:D:D

Well as an electrical engineer who even designed this stuff, any protector that does not even protect from lightning is scam. We routinely earth direct lightning strikes without damage. Your telco CO (that computer inside the switching center) suffers typically 100 surges with each thunderstorm. How often is your entire town without phone service for four days? Never? Because less expensive protector are used everywhere in the world. Use technology that was even well understood 100 years ago.

Too many myths have been posted to reply. Some have already been address in
"I didn't realize I was not totally protecting my machine" and "here" and
"here" and "here".

Protection is always about where energy dissipates. Surge protectors are sold like Listerine, cold remedies, Dannon Yogurt, and miracle health foods. They do nothing. Hype subjective solutions that so many automatically believe.

Those posts ask damning questions. For example, how does that magic box stop what three kilometers of sky could not? It doesn't. Read its specs. It does not even claim protection from each type of surge. It is called a surge protector. Its specs claim no protection. But those more easily deceived will automatically assume it does surge protection. Instead view those scary pictures.

Meanwhile, an informed homeowner earths one 'whole house' protector from other more responsible companies. Surge protection means lightning strikes incoming wires. And nobody knows a surge even existed. Even the protector is unharmed. All surges, major and trivial, are made irrelevant IF energy dissipates harmlessly outside the building.

A bottom line is simple because it also identifies ineffective protectors. A protector is only as effective as its earth ground.

Strips are fine for small items. However, I have my Janome 10000, my computer setup, not incl printers, each on its own UPS. With our current in the eastern USA so unreliable, it "smooths" the current so you have a steady current. Brownouts killed my last Janome and my laptop computer. Brownouts or dimming can create more problems and fires according to my husband the Electro-Engineer than actual hits. UPS, or Battery Backups when you buy them on sale, are a better investment than strips which only absorb overages, surges.

I am an avid unplugger, and have been for some time. I read that there are some devices if left plugged in, but off still use a small amount of energy. I am already paying New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) way more than necessary. I did pay for the top of the line surge protector, and have never been sorry.

All electronics work perfectly find even when incandescent bulbs dim to less than 50% intensity. I who design electronics must meet that and other standards. We routinely reduce voltages even lower to learn at what point it simply powers off.

Electronics must work perfectly normal at voltages that would be harmful to the furnace, dish washer, and refrigerator. If that voltage goes lower, electronics simply turns off. No damage must even happen. But that low voltage can be harmful to any motorized appliance.

Meanwhile a UPS connects the sewing machine directly to AC mains when not in battery backup mode. Where is the protection? Some of the 'dirtiest' power seen by any appliance is the UPS in battery backup mode. So 'dirty' as to be harmful to small electric motors and power strip protectors. And perfectly ideal for any electronic appliance.

If a UPS does what so many have claimed, then unique manufacturer specifications can be provided. Good luck finding those numbers. Meanwhile, electronics are so robust that 'dirtiest' power from a UPS (in battery backup mode) is not harmful. A UPS has only one function. To provide temporary (and dirtiest) power during a blackout.

So how often are your lights dimming to 50% intensity? Rarely? Never? They why spend £50 on a UPS? Its only purpose - temporary and dirty power during a blackout.

The original post asked for surge protection. No UPS claims that surge protection. But again, because this defines which solutions actually work. A protector is only as effective as its earth ground. Effective protectors connect 'less than 3 meters' to that single point ground. Protection is always about where energy dissipates. Products with obscene profit margins hope you never learn that important fact.

Some of the posts here are getting rather technical, basically IMO PunkQuilter you are doing the right thing by being an unplugger :thumbup:

I have my computer and all tvs on surge protectors and if I had a computerized sewing machine I would definitely have it on one, too.

I unplug my sewing machine every time I'm not working on it. Somehow everything else doesn't seem as important. lol. It is all on surge protectors though. Our main computer is on a UPS. Everything else on regular protectors from staples.

Then you may have made TV damage easier. An IEEE brochure demonstrated this with a picture. A protector too close to a TV and too far from earth ground simply earthed that surge 8000 volts destructively through the TV.

Again, it is this simple. Either a protector connects as short as possible to earth ground. Or it does nothing useful. If too far from earth, it can sometimes make appliance damage easier.

Most assume it must do something only because it is called a protector. Protectors that are useful connect energy harmlessly to earth. Protectors that are profit center are located adjacent to applainces.

And then view those scary pictures. Does the phrase 'house fire' have significance?

I have my machine and Ott light plugged into a surge protector. I just unplug the whole thing when I'm not sewing.

The best two words on here are " House Fire ". It is so easy to unplug our machines when not in use as opposed to replacing machines ruined by surges or direct lightning hits. Escaping a fire also might be a consideration.
Friends, be safe, not sorry.....UNPLUG !!!

Buy the more expensive surge protectors. No sense in trying to save a buck or two when it is concerning our expensive machines~

At what point does it finally become obvious. Take a $3 power strip. Add some ten cent protector parts. Sell it for $7 in the grocery store. Or buy a similar protector circuit under a Monster label for $150. When promoting something that is a profit center, price does not define better quality. The superior solution also costs less money.

Protection is always about where energy dissipates. Therefore a protector is only as effective as its earth ground.

How do you unplug a dishwasher, furnace, dimmer switches, and the most critical appliance during a surge – smoke detectors? You don’t.