[BMU (Bryston Maggie User)]

With the current heat wave in Toronto, our hydro service has resorted to "rolling blackouts".  Yesterday I was watching a DVD on my system which includes a SP 1.7, 9B-ST, and 5B-ST - one moment, great entertainment - then suddenly nothing after red lights on the gear.

Thankfully no loud thud / pop through the speakers but I was initially terrified until I realized the whole block had been hit with an unscheduled rolling blackout.

I have everything plugged in to MOV type surge protectors... so now I'm just leaving things off.  ("Home theatre on a laptop computer for now")

Should I physically unplug everything too?

Would a Torus + a UPS help me?

Anyone else with ideas to deal with this frustrating situation?

[mclsound]

hi BMU,that is a very good ?,i hope it is not as hot as they are saying this year,lots of powerfailures in TO.  John

[_andy_]

....there must be a peak consumption window where the power grid struggles most...would it be 1600-2000 maybe? I guess other than trying to run your system later in the evening only, a UPS may help lessen any worry for 'sensitive' components....the poweramps shouldn't be bothered. A UPS is definitely a good idea for those displays with cooling fans that run for a time after shutdown....like the Sony sxrd rptvs w/ the hot running bulbs....i think a complete interruption on those
without time afterwards for the fans to cool down the guts can be murder on the bulb longevity etc

[ec]

I live in Toronto and I rarely experience blackouts - usually 1 - 2 per year at most.  I have had my Bryston gear including SP 1.7 for 3-4 years now and so for so good.  I am too lazy to unplug stuff.  Reseting some clocks is enough work for me.

[1oldguy]

A friend of mine had her system fried by a electrical storm a few years back.
Wondering what is considered the best way do deal with such an event?
Is a power conditioner the way to go?

[James Tanner]

A friend of mine had her system fried by a electrical storm a few years back.
Wondering what is considered the best way do deal with such an event?
Is a power conditioner the way to go?

An ISOLATION transformer.
www.toruspower.com

james

[drummermitchell]

I agree with James,we had a storm hear last year early in the morning.
All my gear was plugged into 2Xtorus(15+20)and my computer was plugged into
a Monster conditioner.
long+short of is,FRIED MY computer,all the gear plugged into the Torus(s),
went to STANDBY .I may upgrade components,amps,cables ect.
TORUS I'll NEVER SELL,She's too good aa..

[1oldguy]

Curious....Did you contact  Monster about your loss and cost of your gear?Did you get a settlement out of it If I may ask?

[drummermitchell]

Hi 1oldguy,no I figured it would take alot of my time(processing my claim).
I just bought another computer and she's direct to the wall,I have been meaning to purchase a small Torus just for the computer,pricey little buggers,but we'll worth it.

[1oldguy]

Hi DrummerM

From the stories I've read Monster isn't to keen on living up to their claims,so i would imagine it would have been almost pointless to bother.I can't say i am a fan of Monster anything.It shouldn't take a law suit to get one's right's.Monster won't see a dime of my Money.

[drummermitchell]

I have heard that a bit on CAM about monster,that was before Torus,Shunyata,sheessss,I forgot to capitalize the m,oh we'll(payback).

[Mad Mr H]

Largest stress to electronics is always power up.

In the event of a power fail there is a chance of several power ups prior to the repair work being completed, Unplugging is a good precaution IF you are around and able to do so.

I use isolation transformers (Tx's) as well. I use these to remove inter equipment mains borne noise, If you have never tested the noise on mains you would be amazed at how much EVERY item creates, The use of Isolation Tx's brings amazing depth of silence and lowered background noise leading to more detail in quiet sections of audio reproduction - All good stuff  .

[b5pt9]

Speaking of isolation transformers I ran across a great Ebay deal on a used 5kVA 240V Powervar unit.  Cost more to ship it than I bought it for!   I think it was less than $400 to my door.

I put it in the basement, ran a 20A 240V circuit to the Powervar and used one of the 15A 120V filtered outputs to power my dedicated audio outlet in the living room.

[werd]

Largest stress to electronics is always power up.

In the event of a power fail there is a chance of several power ups prior to the repair work being completed, Unplugging is a good precaution IF you are around and able to do so.

I use isolation transformers (Tx's) as well. I use these to remove inter equipment mains borne noise, If you have never tested the noise on mains you would be amazed at how much EVERY item creates, The use of Isolation Tx's brings amazing depth of silence and lowered background noise leading to more detail in quiet sections of audio reproduction - All good stuff  .

Hello folks

Thats is absolutely true, most damage occurs on power up due to massive power surges electronics can experience. All gear should be unplugged if a power failure occurs including the isolation transformer.

James

I am curious if my Torus rm-20 is covered under warranty if such an event occurs.