by asterixsew Moderator 30 Nov 2017

I have always used a serge protected extension lead for my embroidery machine. Earlier this year I was in the builders merchants for my husband and saw extension leads that guaranteed to cover what ever was on the cable for up to £1000 which is $1345.86 (as I write). This got me thinking and the shop kindly went through the leads they had to see if there was a greater monetary value of goods covered. Last week I was with our elder daughter and in killing time waiting for her I discovered serge protected extension leads that will cover up to £30,000. I have just received one of these extension leads and will use it with my embroidery machine for extra peace of mind.

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by meganne 01 Dec 2017

New household electricity metre boxes, in Australia, switch off instantly if there is any unusual activity detected inside the house, such as an appliance with a slight leak or damaged cable. My power kept shutting down every time I tried to use my older Electric Frypan, I had to buy a new power plug.

But this protection doesn't cover external surges from the power substation so I have always purchased the best surge protection power boards available, ones with an Insurance Cover Guarantee.

Having worked the computer industry my choice has always been APC, more expensive to buy, but not $10,000 (the cost of my dearest machine)

I have added a little article from C-Net, that may be of some interest
https://www.cnet.com/news/9-thing...

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by Barbaric 30 Nov 2017

I also use the belkiin serge cube for my sewing machine and has to be connected into the wall socket and is not covered if it is connected to an extension cord. I think I will go for a search for one of these extension cords. Always read the fine print to see what you are covered for. thanks

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by pennifold 30 Nov 2017

I've never heard of a battery back-up. It sounds like a great idea.

When I bought my Husqvarna over 10 years ago Maarten from Thorpes advised me to buy a Belkin Surge cube, so I've used it ever since.

We've had a few black outs here in Newcastle, but nothing that has damaged my sewing machine and I, like Karen, unplug my machine when not in use. Love Chris

2 comments
asterixsew by asterixsew 30 Nov 2017

Not seen a surge cube but this is the make I have

meganne by meganne 01 Dec 2017

Chris some surge protectors, will hold the power long enough for you to shut down the appliance but they are more expensive and usually only available from the Electrical store suppliers, such as Dick Smith, (now closed down :-( ), so possibly Jaycar.

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by 02kar Moderator 30 Nov 2017

I also use a battery back-up with surge protection for my machines and computer. And I am careful to unplug my machine when not in use. I hope you never have to use the insurance. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure that there are many who can use this tip.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 30 Nov 2017

I hope I don't either but it gives peace of mind

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by rescuer Moderator 30 Nov 2017

I prefer to use a battery back-up (like I purchase for computers) as it provides a real-time power filter for more than one type of serge. Plus, if the power goes out for less than an hour, I still have power from the battery to finish a design.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 30 Nov 2017

went off to find out about these before replying. Interesting and thanks for the information

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by graceandham 30 Nov 2017

And now, a question for your readers. Has anyone EVER successfully collected from one of these insured surge protectors? Anybody?

2 comments
asterixsew by asterixsew 30 Nov 2017

I have to register the extension lead with the manufacturers and say what its being used for. This type of lead isn't something I have seen before but living as I do in the back of beyond to many in the UK its probably been available for many years elsewhere. Power cuts are not a frequent occurrence in the UK but My PR 650 was expensive and I try to take care of it.

graceandham by graceandham 01 Dec 2017

Thanks from Alabama out "where God lost his shoes."

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