64451✽
WARNING
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up about electrical currents and our embroidery machines. I have justed discovered that my energy (hydro) company has installed a new device on my outdoor meter box which allows them to register my consumation from a distance and no longer have an employee check my meter in person. In doing so, when each month, they check my meter and because it is now digitial, this causes flucuation in the electrical frequences (or sometime like that) which may cause power surges and HARM your embroidery machine. This seems to be what has happened to my new ruby (which I got in Nov.), as the electrical circuit on my machine is burnt out and now has to be replaced. This is a $500-600 plus labor repair. Fortunately this will be covered by my warrenty. It is a MUST to have your machines plugged into a separate power bar and not just one of the cheap one. Be sure to purchase one that has surge protection. I have just purchased a Monster (that is the name of the company) that has 4220 joules (protection mesurement, the higher the number the better protection you will have). I thought my other bar was good enough but information I was able to collect tells me that the regular bars do not neccessarily have surge proctection.
My machine is now laid up again for I do not know how long because the part has to be ordered and we never know how long that takes. My machine works to embroider however I cannot communicate with it in any way so I can`t do anything that is not already in my machine and you all know me, I don`t like to do simple LOL.
Just wanted to give you all a heads up as we need to protect our babies from harm.
Hugs
Michelle
Comments (30)
45918✽
Thanks for that Michell, They're trying to install Smart Meters here in Australia but many of us are contesting that..hope you don't have to wait long for the part or you and your ruby might get separation anxiety hehehe am going to check my boards now thanks Marian
1 comment
We didn't have much to say about it here, they were installed and now we have to live with them.
7056✽
Wow. Thanks for the warning . I hope you dont have to be without that wonderful machine for long . Glad the repair was covered .
1 comment
Your welcome, I think this information is something we all need to know
57675✽
If you have the money, invest in a battery back-up. They are used for computers and are the safest way to protect computerized equipment. They can be found many places like office supply stores, computer sales/repair shops, even at Costco. They are heavy! If you get a large one, you can power your computer and machine for up to 30 minutes during a power outage. Your machine will not be directly affected by power surges again if you buy a battery back-up.
1 comment
Never heard of a batter backup, will check into it,.
25510✽
Thanks for this info Micheele. We have been experiencing things like this at our house too. We were blaming it on power surges caue we get alot of power outages here and brown outs in Florida. This could be what is causing our issues too. Hope it doesn't take too long to get your machine back. Hugs, Susan
1 comment
If your machine is not installed on a power surge protector buy, do it now. I hadn't realized it at the time but I also had a
range that the electrical computerized panel burnt out and it was only 5 years old, caused by this same thing.
range that the electrical computerized panel burnt out and it was only 5 years old, caused by this same thing.
5469✽
I just had to buy a new computer. I also bought 2 battery back-up. One for the computer and one for the sewing machine. They are in different rooms so needed 2 battery back-ups. We have the electric go off for just a couple of minutes. I never thought about it being from the automated meter that we have. Glad that I bought the back-up. Joyce
1 comment
The back-up should fix the problem but I would still get the surge protector
299559✽
OH WOW! thanks sew much for this information Michelle I am sew sorry that you had to come by this the hard way too bad we couldnèt make the hydro co responsable for it! I would imagine any electronics should be plugged into the portection bars. Hugs Loralye
2 comments
I just checked mine & I have surge protection on everything even tv LOL can never be to careful Hugs Loralye
Good thing,
hugs
Michelle
hugs
Michelle
16529✽
by
vickiannette
20 Mar 2013
+11✽
I think this is what happened to my pfaff2170 -good one second, then would not recognise the hoop in the next second. Still sews. Our power tends to fluctuate very much. should be 240 volts and is often up to 255.
1 comment
Sounds like you need to check to see if your machine is protected.
109774✽
by
crafter2243
20 Mar 2013
+11✽
Thanks. This is very good advise. Learning something new every day.
1 comment
Always learning here at cute, good things to help us all
6122✽
Mar 19-2013 -- Wow - who knew?? I'll look for one of those Monsters right away.
1 comment
The company is Monster Power, they can be expensive but you can find them cheaper on the net.
158718✽
I always run with a battery back up. Can't be too careful. Thank you for this information. The electrical company uses this method here, also and I would have never thought of it.
1 comment
That's it, no one thinks of this kind of thing happening until it is two late
12500✽
Thanks, Michelle, for the heads up! I received a letter from our power company last week, saying they were going digital, and would have all their customers old meters replaced within the next six months. They mentioned there would be a temporary power outage, and I had to wonder if they just drive up, and disconnect, while I am inside using my machine?? Probably! I do have surge protection; just hope it is enough!
Hugs, Angel
Hugs, Angel
1 comment
I thought I had surge protection on my other bar but it did not. The bar I purchased even has a protection warrenty amount in case of damage.
30656✽
Hi Michelle
Where did you get the power bar and if you don't mind, how much did you pay for it. I live in Canada as well. Do you have a model number for the one you bought. They are installing these digital meters here as well, so I should upgrade my surge protector.
Hugs Jerri
Where did you get the power bar and if you don't mind, how much did you pay for it. I live in Canada as well. Do you have a model number for the one you bought. They are installing these digital meters here as well, so I should upgrade my surge protector.
Hugs Jerri
3 comments
Jerri, you should have a power board, whether you are on the digital metering system, or not. Blackouts and power surges during thunderstorms can blow your embroidery machine's electrical or computer system.
Hugs, Meg
Hugs, Meg
I agree, even you t.v and other electrical items , computers etc need to be on these boards. I purchased mine at a Centre Hi-Fi but they are only in Quebec, Jerry try amazon.ca
Monster surge protector bar and purchase one that has a high joule rating of between 3000-4000. Also look for a monetary warrenty value against damages caused by such an event.
Monster surge protector bar and purchase one that has a high joule rating of between 3000-4000. Also look for a monetary warrenty value against damages caused by such an event.
Hi Meg and Michelle. I do have both computer and sewing machine on a surge protector, but think I should upgrade to a better one. It was a good one at the time, but would rather be safe than sorry. I don't leave my machines plugged in when they aren't in use.
Thank you both for taking care of us.
Hugs Jerri
Thank you both for taking care of us.
Hugs Jerri
173695✽
Wow! they can really wreak havoc on us! Thank you for the information. I will be upgrading my power strip when I get my machine back from the shop.
1 comment
Please do, surprising what these surges can damage in our homes
122864✽
VERY WELL PUT. Thanks so much for posting this as most people don't realise their embroidery machines are, first and foremost, Computers and ALL computers should be connected to the electrical supply via a GOOD Surge Protection Powerboard, preferably one that includes a monetary warranty for up to five years.
And one should always, completely, disconnect your valued computers from the electrical supply during thunderstorms with lots of lightning as a sudden blackout could destroy the motherboard.
I was the office manager for a business that was situated next door to the fire station and unbeknown to me, when the fire bell was triggered it caused a power surge in the whole village. Well my boss, being the tightwad that he was, refused to buy surge protection powerboards for our computers and the very first time the fire alarm was triggered the power surge burnt out all the network cards in all the computers, an expensive exercise and lesson learned, but it could have been much worse. :-)
Hugs n roses, Meg
And one should always, completely, disconnect your valued computers from the electrical supply during thunderstorms with lots of lightning as a sudden blackout could destroy the motherboard.
I was the office manager for a business that was situated next door to the fire station and unbeknown to me, when the fire bell was triggered it caused a power surge in the whole village. Well my boss, being the tightwad that he was, refused to buy surge protection powerboards for our computers and the very first time the fire alarm was triggered the power surge burnt out all the network cards in all the computers, an expensive exercise and lesson learned, but it could have been much worse. :-)
Hugs n roses, Meg
1 comment
So true Meganne,
I learned the hard was that it is better to be safe than sorry
I learned the hard was that it is better to be safe than sorry
92391✽
Thanx!!! I have surge protectors on all mine, but maybe not strong enough. Many Thanx for the info! Hugs, Judy
1 comment
Your welcome Judy,
Hang in there
hugs
Michelle
Hang in there
hugs
Michelle
5290✽
Thank you! I use surge protectors for both of my babies. Hugs, Rachel.
1 comment
Good plan
51302✽
by
designgirl
20 Mar 2013
+3✽
I have power surges on everything. My embroidery and sewing machines, all computers and tv sets. When not in use I always unplug my machines and computer in my sewing room. Just in case the power surge didn't work. My daughter lost her computer to a power surge, even though she had a power surger on it. Thanks heavens insurance covered it.
1 comment
I wonder how many of use lose devices or applicances due to this
11506✽
Mine has been protected since day 1. My dealer highly recommended the protection. We had lost 2 computers (on surge protectors) and the surge protectors, 3 TVs, DVD player, 2 VHS players, all but one phone(old fashioned dial),an iron, and my washing machine had to be serviced following lightning strikes to a tree by our house and one further away but by the utility lines. What a loud crack - shook me up a bit and scared the bejeebers out of the cats. They run downstairs and hide now at the first sign of a storm.
Be sure to check the ratings to make sure it is powerful enough for your machine.
Be sure to check the ratings to make sure it is powerful enough for your machine.
1 comment
Poor kitties, I wish I had known before, when I purchased my machines they told me to plug it into a power bar and not directly into the wall but never mentioned the importance of surge protection and what it did. Now I know
7208✽
I was informed of something similar in my area when I called in an electrician to "repair" several light fixtures that kept blowing light bulbs. He said the bulbs were of an insufficient rating for the actual power being supplied. My machine has always been in an surge protector since it is extremely difficult for me to reach the outlet behind my sewing table. (I guess there was some good design in that situation.)
1 comment
Good that everything is protected
59631✽
by
hightechgrammy
20 Mar 2013
+3✽
Michelle, that is just terrible news about your new machine! You know, I have just plugged my machine directly into the outlet! I hadn't though of how dangerous this is. We protect all of our other digital equipment, I can't believe I missed my sewing machines!
Thanks, Jan
Thanks, Jan
1 comment
Jan hurry out and buy this protection, your machine should never be plugged into the wall
hugs
Michelle
hugs
Michelle
62461✽
A good warning. My husband has about everything on surge protection. I also do not leave may machine plugged in when not in use.
1 comment
Men are good about those things, of course my DH flat screen and home entertainment systems are all well protected by he didn't think of this when my machines came into the house. Go figure lol
115778✽
by
asterixsew
20 Mar 2013
+5✽
My machines are plugged in to a surge protector and always have been. Sorry to hear about your problems
20088✽
Also, a good idea to unplug your machine when you are done using it. It's easier to replug than it is to replace!!!!
6196✽
Thank you for this warning. I too neglected my embroidery machine. I'm certainly going to get a surge protector. * Hugs
111390✽
Thanks for the updat. I have my machines on back up batteries that have a big serge protecter in it. I don't want to take any chances as the machines are too expensive. Suzanne
44905✽
by
dlonnahawkins
20 Mar 2013
+4✽
Oh yes - I have a UPS set for my machines, and computers...we live where there are always power flucuations, and don't want something to happen to our babies.
15626✽
I was thinking of getting a back-up battery unit for my machine just yesterday. I keep it unplug when I am not using it, but the power surges
can come anytime.
OK, no embroidery until I get a backup battery with a good surge protector. I must go and get it tomorrow.
Thank you for the timely information, but so sorry that it happened to you.
can come anytime.
OK, no embroidery until I get a backup battery with a good surge protector. I must go and get it tomorrow.
Thank you for the timely information, but so sorry that it happened to you.
57801✽
by
edithfarminer
21 Mar 2013
+4✽
Thank you for the warning. Will unplug from now when not in use.
26714✽
Thank you, I have my machine plug in a UPS , where I live the electric power is really bad, we do not get 24/7 power so every home has an invertor runs with especial batteries, have Brother sent an email to the company they responded they do not guarantee the used of machine and invertor so just do not use it, I have my machine in the UPS and electric outlet that does not work with the invertor, so when the electricity is out my machine stops.
33451✽
by
marjialexa
22 Mar 2013
+2✽
I have everything in the house plugged into surge protector bars, just in case. But I never thought about how those digital meters are read, and what it might do to the current. They've been threatening us with those for years, and we're paying for them (it's on my electric bill as a surcharge), but don't have them yet, or probably for years where I live. I have a big expensive APC battery backup/surge protector for the big computer, because I used to work from home & power failures & lost work were so annoying! But I never thought about plugging my embroidery machine into it, great idea! Thanks for the heads up, Michelle, we all do need to remember that these things are computers, and not our grandma's sewing machines. Hugs, Marji