I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Home Dialysis => Topic started by: drgirlfriend on May 12, 2012, 12:38:16 PM
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Since we moved to the Gulf Region of TX, we have had the power go out quite a few times. Only for a second or two but enough to make the Liberty cycler have to restart - and with the restart comes alarms. I wish the thing didn't feel the need to alarm every damn time, but that's beside the point. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good surge protector?
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We don't have one on our machine, but you might want to look into one that comes with a battery backup so you have a moment to disconnect. Just a thought (we don't lose power up here too often)
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Check out the APC UPS/Surge protection systems. They won't keep you running for a long period of time, but if your just taking dips in your commercial power, it should carry you through. I use them on my hard plugged computers and they will usually carry me for 5-10 minutes before dropping off.
HTH
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smcd23 & Joe - Definitely want battery backup! I thought about the big, expensive UPS boxes I used to order when I worked for an IT company, but thought those would be overkill. After your suggestion, I looked and saw that they have smaller ones, too. Thanks!
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The ones I was looking at on the Staples webpage were like around $100 and would probably carry your machine (if that was the only thing plugged in) 3-5 minutes, which would be long enough to disconnect and shut down in the event of an outage. Otherwise like Joe said they probably have enough juice to hold you over on a brown out or power dip.
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I agree with Joe, use an APC UPS. I use them for all my computers and and even for our large screen TVs. They will give you enough time to turn things off nicely when the power goes out, but will also protect your equipment from power surges.
If you get one with enough capacity for your cycler it will keep it running for 15-20 minutes.
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I would call the manufacturer first. We talked to Baxter about electricity stuff because the lights in my room would dim when the heater came on, kind of rhythmically. They are adamantly against using surge protectors. To be honest I can't remember why. This was a few years ago.
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jeannea - thanks for the tip. I didn't think it would be an issue. But to tell the truth, I'd break many a rule for a good night's sleep!
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Drgirlfriend - I know Fresenius also says not to use a backup or extension cord. But we have my SO's Liberty cycler on a heavy duty extension cord with built in surge protector because the only other outlet we could use is behind our bed, and I just don't think that's very safe. The company says using a power cord or whatever can cause an inadequate or uneven amount of power, or at least that's what they told me on the phone when we called tech support for an issue and they asked me to check the power. I really don't think putting it into a UPS protector will cause a problem, I think it would be more dangerous for it to face the surges and dips in your power.
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I guess you can look at it this way. Say the surge protector causes a problem and the machine dies. I assume they'd send you a new cycler right away just like Baxter would have. You can always remove the surge protector while the delivery guy is there. So it's probably no big deal.
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I guess you can look at it this way. Say the surge protector causes a problem and the machine dies. I assume they'd send you a new cycler right away just like Baxter would have. You can always remove the surge protector while the delivery guy is there. So it's probably no big deal.
That's what we do when the PD nurse comes for her home inspection! We move it to the plug behind the bed (even though I am convinced that is more dangerous - what if the bed pushes up against it and knocks the plug out??) But honestly, in over 2 years on an extension cord, any failures we've had with the machine have not been due to electrical issues.
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My house was built in the early 50s and doesn't have 3 wire wiring. I had a guy add a grounding wire to the metal box and put in a 3 prong socket It is a grounded socket now. I have had this done to several wall sockets now. It is something a person with basic electricity skills can do.