advice on protecting a desktop pc during and after power outages

[Cardiff117]

not sure where to post this*

I have a big storm on the way, and in general would like to know how to keep my pc safe. I've heard of surge protectors and UPS but there's no time to source these for this particular scenario. what would be the general practice to protect my pc? simply powering off and unplugging it prior to a cut, but then is it safe to just plug it back in and power on once the electricity is restored? or do I need to ground myself, or any other special procedures? I thought I'd ask here before I make a pricy mistake!

Thankyou

 

[SpyderTracks]

not sure where to post this*

I have a big storm on the way, and in general would like to know how to keep my pc safe. I've heard of surge protectors and UPS but there's no time to source these for this particular scenario. what would be the general practice to protect my pc? simply powering off and unplugging it prior to a cut, but then is it safe to just plug it back in and power on once the electricity is restored? or do I need to ground myself, or any other special procedures? I thought I'd ask here before I make a pricy mistake!

Thankyou

Without a surge protector, you MUST keep it powered off and disconnected from the mains during a storm.

A surge protector is absolutely basic protection for a PC, IMHO you shouldn't be running one at all without one.

 

[Cardiff117]

I'm currently looking for one to buy at the moment, but I'm more interested in the procedure once the power comes back on. is it safe to just plug it back into the mains and power on? or do I need to do something else to protect it?

 

[SpyderTracks]

I'm currently looking for one to buy at the moment, but I'm more interested in the procedure once the power comes back on. is it safe to just plug it back into the mains and power on? or do I need to do something else to protect it?

You can’t protect it without protective devices.

So whenever you turn on the switch, or if lightening ever hits the line, your pc has zero protection against surges.

Nothing you can do until you get some equipment

 

[TonyCarter]

As long as no damage has occurred to your household electricity supply, and everything else works, then simply plug it back in (via the surge protector) and turn it on...wall switch > surge protector switch > PSU switch > PC power button.

 

[Cardiff117]

ok, since I don't have a surge protector yet I'm assuming just wall switch, psu switch , power button? also any suggestions or advice on buying surge protectors for the future?

Thankyou

 

[TonyCarter]

I’ve got Belkin and Duronic ones, but Argos, Curry’s, Amazon will have what you’re afte…and you could pick up one in the morning.

https://www.currys.co.uk/search?q=Surge%20protector

https://www.argos.co.uk/search/surge-protector/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000OV0CEY/

 

[Cardiff117]

aah brilliant, ill have a gander! thanks for the advice

 

[Scott]

You really should have surge protectors for any electronic device that you value. If you have any multi plug extensions at all, they should most definitely have a basic level of surge protection. If they don't, replace them all with ones that do.

If you want a proper protection you need to get a UPS (uninterrupted power supply). This is basically a big battery that you put in series with your important devices such as the PC. If/When the power trips, the battery backup will kick in giving you time to shut the item(s) down properly. If you get a decent UPS it will have a trigger on it for shutting down the PC automatically, this needs installed/configured but is well worth it for anything important.

Most electronic devices are robust and any modern consumer unit with serviceable breakers will cover most potential damage, but loss of files, corruption of data etc is always a gamble and where a UPS is worth its weight in gold.

Now, I don't have a UPS but I have no real need for one. Anything important I have is cloud based backup and anything else would just be a nuisance. I have never lost anything to a power issue though, so maybe I'm just chancing my luck.

Expect to pay a bare minimum of £100 for a decent UPS that can communicate with the PC for remote shut down.