Just found this post at another bulletin board - Lights going off and on?

Posted by Angie in So Cali Posting: Hi everyone, I have been having problems with the electricity being shut off and on since the year started. Its beginning to be a weekly thing. Grrr I called Southern california edison and they said they were having some problems, and apologized. I was wondering if anyone else is having any problems???? This always happens when im typing up a report for school, and its very annoying!!! Y2k related? Or just normal problems? Like always the answer is always we are sorry I dont have that information blah blahhhh.... I hope they fix it soon, because I cant have it happening every other day! Its really P*&^&%^*& ME off!!!!!

Here's the link - http://www.syzygyjob.com/Boards/letstalk/indexmesg/14406.shtml

-- RAT (eyesopen@watcher.com), February 01, 2000

Answers

Dear Rat, happy to report from a space in Florida, we have not yet had any minor or major outages, (Good thing too, since it is cold!)

-- Warm Florida Beaches (sureinyourdre@ms.com), February 01, 2000.

hey Rat, Coming from a different space in FL, yes, occasional brownouts have been the norm here of late. I notice they are mostly in the daytime, since the only way to tell is when the blackoutbuster beeps. Usually the tv is off along with the stereo, but when they are on they shut off and stay off.

I decided to protect the fridge because these brownouts may damage it. I have a surge protector on the fridge for now, and eventualy will have a blackoutbuster on it as well. I figured the fridge cost more than the computer, and holds more valuable contents as well....

-- Postman (ringstwice@lw.ays), February 01, 2000.

Wow I finally found a thread where Steve Heller is not criticizing CPR. Give it time, give it time.

-- Butt Nugget (catsbutt@umailme.com), February 01, 2000.

2 quick comments: Surge protectors are a must. Like I tell all my PC users (I'm a "Computer Dude"), "SAVE REGULARLY!!!" Never have more than 10 minutes work in RAM, DUH!

-- Paranoia Will (Destroy_Y@BlackCopters.com), February 01, 2000.

I'm in Orange County. We haven't lost power even once. I feel so left out, no fair! (joking) =o)

-- cin (cinlooo@aol.com), February 01, 2000.

Unlike some people, I don't post the same material on every thread whether or not it is relevant.

-- Steve Heller (stheller@koyote.com), February 01, 2000.

Surge protectors are for 'surges'. They do not protect against low voltage or brown-outs. Subjecting a refrigerator or freezer to frequent periods of low voltage will 'burn-up' the motor. You need to shut it off or use an 'UPS'-uninterruptible power supply. Most reasonably priced UPS devices only provide protection for ten seconds or less. If the low voltage conditions are lasting longer than ten seconds, then turn the refrigerator/freezer off to prevent damage.

-- Y2kObserver (Y2kObserver@nowhere.com), February 01, 2000.

Mr. Y2K Observer, me, the most computer unsavy, must depend on the Kindness of Strangers (MID Huster's, or Mentors who say that Strip, ain't nothing but a "Sham").

-- Know when to hold then (you@lsoknowwhentofold.com), February 02, 2000.

RAT,

In SoCal. and no difficulties with the lights at all since rollover. Yours must be a local thing.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.com), February 02, 2000.

Excuse my ignorance? What is a blackoutbuster?

-- REvans (my2scents@home.com), February 02, 2000.

Ok, I am just a dumb (gray, not blond) housewife home all day. HOW DO I KNOW IF WE ARE HAVING LOW VOLTAGE? I do know that when chubby hubby turns on the generator...40kw...each weekend for 4 or 5 hours that the lights are MUCH brighter than when on the grid. But how do I know if my fridge or freezer isn't getting enuff of its life's blood? Taz

-- Taz (Tassi123@aol.com), February 02, 2000.

A Blackout Buster is a UPS. Here, I found an online source for you.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/Category/power_protection.asp

Here is the ad copy:

"Includes $30,000 equipment guarantee for connected equipment! Includes transformer outlet, outlets with battery backup 500VA, data port, Internet or network protection, voltage guard!"

"PK BlackoutBuster Designed for Small Office and Home Office applications, BlackoutBuster is a cost-effective and ultra-reliable 500VA Uninterruptible Power Source. BlackoutBuster protects your computer and peripherals against damaging power disruptions and prevents the loss of valuable work or personal files. BlackoutBuster comes standard with emergency backup battery, full time voltage protection, power surge guard, modem or notebook line protection and a 3+3 year warranty."

I couldn't find it at Egghead. This little box just sits there, but when the power blinks or goes off, it beeps to let me know. I then have the time to save and close everything I'm working on. Cost is about a hundred bucks. Considering that the fridge costs me 2 grand, and the food inside, its worth it, isn't it?

-- Postman (ringstwice@lw.ays), February 02, 2000.

If you can find the phone number, call the Public Utilities Commission and complain. Its worth a shot.

-- Guy Daley (guydaley@bwn.net), February 02, 2000.

I'm in San Bernardino Cnty, East of you. No problems with SCE here.

-- Richard (Astral-Acres@webtv.net), February 02, 2000.

The ice cream is getting soft in my freezer. No kidding.

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-- Squirrel Hunter (nuts@upina.cellrelaytower), February 02, 2000.