EDIT: Actually, the gaming console and TV seem to now both work fine when plugged into a third outlet. I had previously tried plugging them both into the next nearest outlet and got the same result (tv turning off and on, console not properly booting) but when I plug them both into an outlet on the other side of the house they seem to work normally.
When I plug a *different* TV and *different* gaming console into one of the problem outlets the different TV and console seem to work normally.
What could explain this?
Yes you can plug into a surge protection.
Either a surge protector or UPS.
no
A surge protector is designed to absorb the energy of temporary overvoltage surges on the powerline, preventing damage to delicate electronic devices plugged into the surge protector. Minor surges are safely absorbed with no problems. Major surges may cause the surge protector to sacrifice itself to protect the devices, if so you will have to replace the "burned out" surge protector with a new one.
Possibly, but that's kind of missing the whole point of a surge protector. The surge protector exists to protect the things that are plugged into it. If you're not using those devices anyway during the storm, sure, go ahead and unplug the surge protector... but you could also have just unplugged the devices themselves from the wall and not bought a surge protector in the first place. Also, storms don't directly damage surge protectors. Stopping surges damages surge protectors. If there's no surge, it doesn't matter if the surge protector is plugged in or not.
The function of an APC surge protector, or any surge protector is to protect your electric goods from electrical surges. One could find more information on their website, if further information is required.
As long as you don't over load the wall socket you can have a mile's worth of extension cord. <<>> You can not have a miles worth of cord as the voltage drop would be so high on a #14 wire that there would not be enough voltage to run the computer. Make sure that the extension cord has a ground wire in it so that the ground wire is continuous from the receptacle to the surge protector to the computer.
When looking for a quality surge protector you should consider the clamping voltage, response time, the energy absorption and dissipation rating, as well as the warranty. Two surge protector that come highly rated in those categories include the APC and Belkin Surge Protectors.
It will very likely damage the surge protector
You need a good power surge strip or a UPS. Make sure the computer plugs into the surge strip or the UPS, and then plug the strip or UPS into the wall. Some good UPS devices actually do power conditioning which is better, but more expensive.
No.
Although a surge protector is certainly not required, it is highly recommended to protect all electronic equipment from damage.
You need to plug in big electrical items, such as a computer, you need to plug it into a surge protector, available at your local electronics store, i.e., Best Buy.
Any surge protector that is properly approved by the properly approved regulatory bodies will suit your needs. Don't take chances with cheap ebay ones.
yes
If a surge protector had a very high resistance at all voltages, the wires in the surge protector would short out. It would kick off the protector and make it useless. A new surge protector would need to be purchased.
A surge protector protects a system against lightening strikes but not against sags or blackouts. Line conditioners also called power conditioners protect your computer against sags and brownouts. The UPS protects your computer against blackouts ~TiffyQT
Reactivation of a surge protector is normally not necessary if your protector has taken a hit. Typically a protector will continue to work without the ned to reactivate it.
a surge suppressor or protector protects your equipment from spikes on the electrical line.
A surge protector, Apex. :D