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General discussion

Surge Protection Failed, Really Need Help

Aug 29, 2008 1:41PM PDT

I have a home theater system that includes a Yamaha AV Receiver, Parasound power amp and NHT amplifiers and crossover. Plus a Sony PS3. I have a BELKIN surge protector and there was a surge a few days back. All equipment was connected to the surge protector and no cable or phone lines were connected to any equipment.

I came home from work and everything was fried....I mean EVERYTHING except for the surge protector. Does a surge protector need to be in the ON position for it to work? Ive been trying to look for the answer but I cant find it anywhere? Id appreciate the help

Discussion is locked

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(NT) I think I'd call Belkin.
Aug 29, 2008 8:30PM PDT
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Sympathy for your unfortunate event. Belkin is surely a
Aug 30, 2008 9:53AM PDT

fine brand in the business. I am surprised it did not do its job. I am one who has had the fortunate experience in the past of a major power surge because electric company workers replacing a transformer wired it backwards causing major area damage. I was SOOO lucky that my $25 or so surge unit at that time did its duty & melted itself while saving the computer & printer from damage.

Yes, as he said, contact Belkin to get some sort of assessment on their part.

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Aug 31, 2008 7:28AM PDT

What type of surge protector was it? If it was a simple power strip, I have no sympathy, you got what you deserved. If it was a true surge protector (had some sort of joule rating and claimed to stop surges with a certain dollar amount guarantee) I would call Belkin and raise hell until I got my check to re-buy the stuff. From what I hear that can be difficult sometimes.

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My bacon has been saved previously by a plain Jane,
Aug 31, 2008 11:03AM PDT

non-fancy surge protector without elaborate joule ratings. It was about 25 bucks & man am I so relieved to have had that protection. That said, my current protectors are more integrated.

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What???? This is hard to do!!! John
Sep 3, 2008 4:50AM PDT

"electric company workers replacing a transformer wired it backwards causing major area damage"

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Well, they sure as heck did it, John, no matter how hard
Sep 3, 2008 10:30AM PDT

it was that they managed to screw it up.

The office for social security was closest to the transformer & took the most power effects. Their fluorescent light ballasts in the ceiling all melted as well as all their computers were absolutely melted. They were out of operation, I seem to recollect, about 6 weeks. Anyone needing social security office business had to drive 30 miles during that period.

Bear in mind that local power company was an owned subsidiary of the folks who also owned Three Mile Island.

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Surge Protector
Sep 7, 2008 8:57AM PDT

Belkin insures loss like yours.