suezquilts

You know we all have lots of $$$ in our machines, note I have to many to take care of sometimes.

I wake up during lightening storms to unplug them even though I have a surge protector on them Living out in the country we have had many outages.

Today, 4 so far. I was going to sew, but to start my machine with the Statler, I'm afraid of it getting zapped. Not worth it. Any computerized machine may take one power surge and be done with. I'm insured, but who wants to take a chance.

Any thing we can do to protect our sewing machines.. Let me know. Are surge protectors able to take it?

jljack

I good surge protector will absolutely protect your machine. And I don't mean a $25.00 power strip you buy at WalMart...go to Best Buy or one of the electronics stores and buy the kind they use to protect computers. It'll be expensive, but well worth not burning up your computer boards in your machines.

You can also order online from Frye's. They have GREAT prices and all things electronic you would ever need!!!

rusty quilter

A computerized machine needs more than a standard surge protector. You actually are better off to totally unplug them from the wall or get the really expensive ones--not just the strip with the on and off.

milp04

Yes Suez, the better built surge protectors are.

I would ask Statler what protectors they recommend. Do you have extra insurance for your Statler? If not, I would check into the possibility. I would also check with a local electrician, or several, for their recommendations on what protectors they would use. Check with a local electrical supply house? Also check with the website of any surge protector that is recommended. Do they provide a warranty for items plugged into their equipment during power fluctuations?

This is the reason during storms that many of our quilters are now reverting to the treadle machines. No electric, no problems, they can keep sewing without worry. With that said I do think you're doing right to unplug everything during electrical storms or the threat of storms. Did you know that you can have lightning without clouds when the storm is many many miles away and have damage?

Pam M

suezquilts

I did get a Protector with the Statler. But I'm nervous to trust it.
I have heard of whole house protectors and should call the Electric guy about this. I have business insurance that covers my 5 or 6 machines. The took pictures of the Gammill so that one is covered probably the best.

We have a 15 yr old hot tub, which took a surge the last power outage, the want $500 to fix the board on it. We didn't pay that much for it.... My Bernina took a hit several years ago, and had to have the board changed. It was in a power strip I thought was a surge protector.

today baking cookies, and doing laundry with the power going on and off has been interesting.
We have a generator that runs the house, only have used that once this year.

belmer

Always have and always will un-plug my machine and shut down my computer and TV even with a power serger strip on them.

QuiltnNan

I saw on one of the HGTV remodeling shows that you can get a whole house surge protector. But the homeowner also used smaller ones for their more expensive electronics. The other poster is correct about the insurance. Standard insurance does not cover expensive items. Check with your agent.

suezquilts

yes, my business insurance covers my machine, they took pictures of it. I shopped around for the insurance because I wanted to make sure if anything happens to someone elses quilts I would be covered.

The power just came back on after 30 minutes, so hard to get things done... If I could only vacuum when the power is out.

quilter1943

I always unplug my machine, even if I just go to put in laundry or start dinner. It's a good habit to get into. Also put in a dedicated 110 outlet for it, just like the desktop computer, to protect it against the brown outs we have in summer down here. Don't have a surge protector since it's unplugged unless I'm using it and don't use it if it's stormy.

Prism99

Personally, I think it's safer to completely unplug the sewing machine. Also, not all surge protectors are created equal; not all can withstand bigger jumps.