Masterplug Surge Protector Green Light gone out

[LondonMX]

Hi everyone,

I bought a Surge Protector (4 plug) socket for my computer and only had it a year or two.

I noticed today that the green light had gone out and the red light was flickering. I'm guessing it means it has taken a massive surge (or lots of small ones) and is no good anymore and i need to buy a new one. (I just bought an audio/visual one too for my tv and dvd etc.)

I live in a house that is only about 7-8 years old and the fusebox buttons flick off at the slightest thing (so everything is fairly new)

I don't really want to keep buying new surge protectors every five mins. so my question is -

Do they really work and help to protect electronics or are they 'snake oil' and does the built in power supply unit on most equipment ably deal with surges and protect each piece of equipment?

If they really do work then im happy to keep buying new ones

Thanks for your help!

[1234dist]

in an environment where (for example) you use a lo of arc welders or high current short usage items then yes very important.

If not, don't bother.

[agw_01]

A £20 surge protector is not going to protect against a 20,000v spike coming into your home.

Take precautions elsewhere by unplugging equipment when not in use.

Brownouts are much more common than surges and can do just as much damage. Either spend a couple of hundred £ on a good UPS/conditioner (which will also protect against surges/brownouts) or don't bother IMO

[E_T_V]

It could be as simple as the neon indicator has blown/given up. Mine has done the same.

[radddogg]

Brownouts are much more common than surges

Maybe in your house

[agw_01]

Brownouts are much more common than surges

Maybe in your house

Apparently, the local substation is/was at capacity (they were planning upgrades a few months back). Caused all kinds of issues last year.

[radddogg]

Brownouts are much more common than surges

Maybe in your house

Apparently, the local substation is/was at capacity (they were planning upgrades a few months back). Caused all kinds of issues last year.

It was a joke. I thought perhaps a brownout was another word for crapping your keks