7 replies to this topic

[torontonian]

I've been trying to absorb some of the info about the electrical service (or lack of) before my move to Mx in the fall. Surge protectors are often mentioned.

I tried googling "surge protectors" and only see pics of what I am familiar with, the thingies that plug into an outlet. The article said to be sure that it is not just a power bar. Fair enough. But is there something that can be installed where the power comes into the house so that all outlets are safe from surges? And if so, what am I looking for and about how much does it cost?

Many thanks.

[jimmiller]

Others here are more knowledgeable than I,but I think what you want is a voltage regulator.

One thing we find indispensable is a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply),which is basically a back-up battery unit that kicks in when the power goes down or off. We frequently have a very brief flicker in the power-no more than a second or two. Without the UPS our desktop computer crashes. With the UPS, the unit instantaneously kicks in and all is well. The unit we have can run our computer and telephone for seven minutes,giving us enough time to shut down properly. The time available depends on the strength (and cost) of the unit you buy as well as the type and number of appliances you connect to it.

Our UPS is a TrippLite,which we bought in Guadalajara. We contacted the people at TrippLite and they definitely said to buy a unit in Mexico. It's made in Mexico for the Mexican electrical current. Any unit brought from outside might not work,and would not be covered by their warranty.

[canmex87]

You can purchase a whole house surge protector which is installed directly into your electrical panel. Even with this you may still want an individual surge peotector on certain items.(ie computer)

[cedros]

I got whole house voltage regulation put in. It is a big job that has to be done by an electrician. It cost about 15,000. They install them outside near your meter. They had to build a shelter to protect it from the rain. Mine is a ISB Solabasic. It is a box that weighs about 70 pounds. I also use as UPS on my computer and individual surge protectors on most of my appliances. I hope it all works.

[howardF]

There are surge protectors (whole house and local), voltage regulators and UPSs and they each serve their own purposes,

Surge protectors protect your appliances and electronics from instantaneous surges and are essential for things like computers nd TVs. A whole house surge protector can be purchased NOB for about US$100. Local surge protectors in addition can't hurt.

A voltage regulator stabilizes the line voltage provided to your electronics and major appliances such as a refrigerator. Mexican made appliances are built to withstand the higher and often fluctuating line voltage, but US made devices should be protected by regulators.

A UPS provides temporary power in the event of a power outage enabling time to shut down your computer when the power suddenly disappears, a common experience here.

[Intercasa]

I buy units like these and bring them down, have one in every room:

http://www.staples.com/APC-Back-UPS-ES-550VA-8-Outlet-Power-Saving-UPS/product_733726_HC2?cmArea=SEARCH


US $49.99.

The batteries weight alot so I usually carry them onboard in a backpack like 2 or 3 and then put the empty units in my luggage. Replacement batteries in Mexico are $200 to 400 pesos. These units regulate voltage and keep your stuff from shutting off during power fluctuations, nothing lost here in 5 years with all the whacky weather.

[Sunsetkid]

So far all I get are generalizations about what will work here and no definite answers. So what really works?

[hensley]

This is from 2010 you should start a new topic.