Abnormal Voltage Reading

[Wrightwood]

Here's some good FAQ's on surge protectors:

http://www.penlight.org/pages/faq_pgs/spds_faqs.html

http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/cat/-13021/edOid/105616/rpem/ccd/lookLearn.do

[PinonMesaJon]

Thanks, John.
Think I'll look into getting a few of those APC UPS/Surge Protectors. Looks like a good step up for life here in Wrightwood.

Anyone else have any computer/network/DSL/router issues yesterday?

[Wrightwood]

Our network server, weather station & computer, modem, router and DVR security system are all hooked up to a UPS.

A small UPS can be purchased from Costco for less than $100 and gives great protection for a normal computer system and accessories.

[Nolena]

I have everything on surge protectors. Sure beats losinga bunch of expensive items.
(Kind of upset the kid & the pets when I connected them, but at least they're safe.) 

[ForestGal]

Anyone else have any computer/network/DSL/router issues yesterday?

I have Verizon DSL for my computer, and it worked fine yesterday.  I don't know what a router is, I don't think I have one.  The computer is plugged into some kind of surge protector, not sure what, but as long as it works, I'm not messing with it. 

[clint]

Before you all run out and buy surge protectors, be aware that not surge protectors are created equal.
There are lots of cheap (useless) ones that cost almost as much as a good one.
There are too ratings how many Joules will it clamp and what is the clamping speed.
To put it simply you want a very high Joules number and very fast clamping number.
So compare before you buy. And as Wrightwood points out a small UPS is $99.
at Costco and they contain very good surge protection.

[kew]

It is my impression that a surge protector will not help with the type of problem you have been experiencing lately in Wrightwood. A surge protector does just what is says, it protects against surges such as lightning strikes etc. What is needed for the problem being discussed is a voltage regulator. Both surge protectors and voltage regulators are available. A surge protector is definitely needed on ALL electronic equipment no matter where you live. and it sounds like you may also need to look into a voltage regulator, if your voltage is varying as much as reported.

We are fortunate in Phelan as each time I check our house voltage its between 118 and 122.

Stay on the Edison Co. Its their responsibility to provide you with proper voltage at all time.

[BikingBrian]

I don't know about Edison, but I'm told that in general, power companies are allowed to deliver up to 132V (120V + 10%).

A voltage regulating UPS would be the best defense, but not perfect.

At least most modern electronics are designed for a worldwide market and can handle 100V to 240V with no problems.  Of course, all my new stuff is down the hill, with my old stuff up the hill.   

[PinonMesaJon]

Now there's some of the info I was looking for! 
Thanks Clint and Ken.

Before you all run out and buy surge protectors, be aware that not surge protectors are created equal.
There are lots of cheap (useless) ones that cost almost as much as a good one.
There are too ratings how many Joules will it clamp and what is the clamping speed.
To put it simply you want a very high Joules number and very fast clamping number.
So compare before you buy. And as Wrightwood points out a small UPS is $99.
at Costco and they contain very good surge protection.

Anyone know if the APC surge protector/UPS units have a good reputation. I see them at most of the major electronics stores (Circuit City, Best Buy, Staples, etc).

It is my impression that a surge protector will not help with the type of problem you have been experiencing lately in Wrightwood. A surge protector does just what is says, it protects against surges such as lightning strikes etc. What is needed for the problem being discussed is a voltage regulator.....

Anyone know where or how to get a voltage regulator and, if need be, who can install one?

The link that Wrightwood posted:

http://www.penlight.org/pages/faq_pgs/spds_faqs.html

Mentioned a whole house surge protector being a good defense, in conjunction with point of use units. Anyone have any experience with these or know who can install one?

[roynlorimoore]

Yes, during this same period of time, I couldn't get an internet connection.  We had to wait nearly a week for an appointment with a Verizon "tech" to come to the house and tell us the moden had "gone bad".  We just got the new modem today and we're back online.

HELP!

I had been off of our computer network from about 1:00 - 4:00 yesterday afternoon, but when I got back on I was having serious issues that I still do not have completely resolved. My DSL connection was gone AND my home network was  not functioning properly.

I'm wondering if the power issue could have affected both my modem and my router. Also wondering if anyone else has experienced similar issues.

Now for the ugly part.....
I spent hours on the phone last night and this morning with Verizon. They couldn't get my DSL functioning with our original modem. We have a backup modem, that I then attempted to connect, which did not work last night, but this morning (after another hour on the phone with Verizon) is now functioning. Thank God my wife is paranoid about equipment failure and wanted to purchase the extra modem. 

I ran out to Radio Shack last night and picked up a replacement router, but have yet to have the time to switch them out, as I had to go to work down the hill today.

Any experts as to if both of these devices could have been fried at the same time?

Another area I lack knowledge:
I had both of these devices plugged into a surge protector. Are these designed for short power spikes. Could the power issue have fried the modem and router even though they were connected through the surge protector??