Surge protectors in Hong Kong

[Claire ex-ax]

In the US, there are blackouts/powerouts, yes? In Hong Kong, there aren't.

[jaykay]

I've experienced a few blackouts here, both in residential and commercial buildings.

[Claire ex-ax]

What was the cause? A problem with the supply from the company or a problem within the property? Or, of course, some bozo digging up the road and hitting the cables?

[jgl]

I've experienced a momentary dimming of lights at home (reasonably modern residential block in Sheung Wan) once about four years ago. No electrical storm, streetworks (this was around 9pm) or other blindingly obvious activity that would have explained it at the time.

It was sufficiently out of the ordinary that it stuck in my mind.

[jaykay]

What was the cause? A problem with the supply from the company or a problem within the property? Or, of course, some bozo digging up the road and hitting the cables?

No idea, just called the electricity company (or building management). Inspector Clouseau however wasn't there so never got to bottom of any of them.

[ewankho]

I've experienced a momentary dimming of lights at home (reasonably modern residential block in Sheung Wan) once about four years ago. No electrical storm, streetworks (this was around 9pm) or other blindingly obvious activity that would have explained it at the time.

It was sufficiently out of the ordinary that it stuck in my mind.

Lived in an old walkup flat in Sheung Wan and every time my roommate turned on his aircon the power fluctuates (and one time completely died) before the landlord had it fixed. Japan Homes have Belkins surge protectors and they don't cost much more than ordinary power strips. Peace of mind for just a few dollars more.

[reprazent]

Back home I used an APC-UPS because I ran a server, not here in HK so I don't feel the need for one. But like ewankho stated, if those belkins don't cost twice as much than I would go for it.

[TheBrit]

Lived in an old walkup flat in Sheung Wan and every time my roommate turned on his aircon the power fluctuates (and one time completely died) before the landlord had it fixed. Japan Homes have Belkins surge protectors and they don't cost much more than ordinary power strips. Peace of mind for just a few dollars more.

What do surge protectors protect you against that an ordinary fuse in the plug, device or switchboard doesn't?

[Raccon]

What do surge protectors protect you against that an ordinary fuse in the plug, device or switchboard doesn't?

Spikes in the supply voltage that could damage the equipment. Fuses or circuit breakers react to current, e.g. when there is a short cut or a device draws too much power that could result in overheating and cause a fire (in either the device or the electrical installation, including the power cables).

[PDLM]

I lost a monitor to a surge at my place in the mid-levels, I believe due to cable works nearby. I now have all my computer gear plugged into one of the Belkin protectors pictured earlier in the thread. As someone said, it's not that expensive, and I'd hate a surge to take out, say, my hard disk. Even with a fairly recent backup it would still be a lot of hassle.