Do I need surgeshield from FPL? (email, sounds, Windows, work)

[weis]

I recently bought a unit in a condo building and have been getting mail from FPL about using their SurgeShiled at 9.99 per month.
Can anyone advise if I do need it? Or do I need any of surge protections? If so, which one should I consider? Thanks

[rjm1cc]

Had computer for years and never needed it. What is it? Sounds like it does the same thing Windows Defender does for free.

[Tek_Freek]

This should cover any questions you may have.

Lyons: FPL surge protection is rip-off, engineer says - News - Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Sarasota, FL

[old_cold]

Timely subject since I have just this week been considering it.
While I understand the point of the article and totally agree, the fact is FPL does not provide the protection so it's still a matter of deciding on the odds...just like most insurances.

[Ed_RDNC]

Anyone with a system that is used for anything more than a few emails a week should be protected against power problems (surges and sudden outages).

This can be easily done by purchasing an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), a super-power-strip that has a battery. Depending on how much power your computer draws, it can be pretty small to almost car-battery large.

A UPS protects against both surges and outages. A mid-quality or better also can be set so that it keeps your system running until it's battery gets low, and then will command your system to do an 'orderly' shutdown, thus protecting any work-in-progress. (Look for a feature called something similar to "safe system shutdown").

Keep in mind these have at their core a battery just like your cars, so they are HEAVY! Pay attention to shipping terms. The one above has free shipping.

Also, make sure what you get has it's actual battery can be replaced when it wears out in 3-6 years or so. You'll save about half the price of full replacement.

For a typical home system, it would cost something like $60: https://www.amazon.com/APC-Back-UPS-.../dp/B01FWAZEIU

On a personal note, I strongly recommend UPS's made by the company APC. I've had two systems hit by lightning (neighbor on left, then a year later the neighbor on the right). Both times APC was surprisingly helpful and super-fast on meeting their replacement warranty.

[markjames68]

Have it - provides Type 1 protection to the whole home. Have also replaced some outlets with surge protection outlets (Type 3) and have quite a few UPS units too. My favorite is the off-lease double conversion Liebert GXT2 (with quiet fan mod). Getting hard to find on eBay now but an amazing buy.

The trick is to have a layered approach. I just wish there was one for my 240v dryer.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by Ed_RDNC

Anyone with a system that is used for anything more than a few emails a week should be protected against power problems (surges and sudden outages).

This can be easily done by purchasing an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), a super-power-strip that has a battery. Depending on how much power your computer draws, it can be pretty small to almost car-battery large.

A UPS protects against both surges and outages. A mid-quality or better also can be set so that it keeps your system running until it's battery gets low, and then will command your system to do an 'orderly' shutdown, thus protecting any work-in-progress. (Look for a feature called something similar to "safe system shutdown").

Keep in mind these have at their core a battery just like your cars, so they are HEAVY! Pay attention to shipping terms. The one above has free shipping.

Also, make sure what you get has it's actual battery can be replaced when it wears out in 3-6 years or so. You'll save about half the price of full replacement.

For a typical home system, it would cost something like $60: https://www.amazon.com/APC-Back-UPS-.../dp/B01FWAZEIU

On a personal note, I strongly recommend UPS's made by the company APC. I've had two systems hit by lightning (neighbor on left, then a year later the neighbor on the right). Both times APC was surprisingly helpful and super-fast on meeting their replacement warranty.

For basic usage a Back-UPS will be fine, but if the voltage dips it’ll just switch to battery. A line-interactive UPS is better. Best is a double-conversion unit, it will take garbage power in (like from cheap generator) and output clean, pure sine wave power.