Yes, Caroline all our computers, sewing machines and telephones are plugged into a surge protector. Love Chris

I have my sewing and embroidery machines plugged into a surge protector - for the simple reason they are described as computerised. I fathomed that as my computer needs one so do my computerised machines. Rather be over safe than sorry!

TV's on a surge protector too.

I sure do. Have laptops and TV's plugged into them as well.

I have mine plugged into a battery backup surge protector. If the power goes out while you are sewing, the machine just keeps on sewing! You can either finish the project or at least find a good stopping place. Worth the little bit of extra money.

Always, and I unplug when I'm not using them.
Jo

All a surge protector does is protect from a spike on the electrical lines. I have chosen to purchase a Universal Power Supply which protects from voltage drops as well as the spikes. It also protects for ample time which allows me to get to a stopping point...like a color change, to safely shut down the sewing machine and or my computer.

My dealer recommended not to plug the machine in with out using a surge proctor. Kay

I have a surge protector and battery back-up so I can write down where I am in a design.

A surge protector is vital. A few years ago my home town had 2 days of very heavy rain during a very wet summer. The electricity station was flooded and the power 'blew'. It destroyed my surge protector but all the items connected to it were safe -- computer, printer, monitor. I always have any expensive electrical gadget connected through a surge protector.

Yes and if not, I always unplug them during a storm.

I have read horror stories of power surges still blowing all the computers and embroidery machines and even a surge protector's guarantee means that they will only replace the surge protector itself not everything you lost, so the best protection is to fully unplug when you are not at your machine. I have everything plugged into the power strip with surge protector and then another surge protector plugged in and mounted near my work area so it is easy to plug and unplug when I am at my machines. If it is an electrical storm with lightning in the area, I work on other things, which I know would be hard for those who live in areas these storms are regular occurrences and you have businesses to run, which in that case just be extra sure to be fully covered with your insurance and fully disclose what your machines are worth and the business you are doing so you will have less likely of having problems with your insurance claims. Too many people buy even the expensive protectors costing hundreds of dollars and put all faith that they can handle any surge and even they can only handle just so much before they are fried and I do not want to loose any of our electronics and the thought of dealing with the insurance company just sends chills down my spine as we were no where near compensated for getting everything replaced when we had a claim a few years ago and it still took many months. Most would not be able to be without their machines and still keep their business running. Hope everyone here never has to go through that process but sadly I am sure someone here will have to, so please, take what precautions you can.

Caroline - have just read your post. I am off tomorrow to see where I can get one. Our whole town has run out of all types of lamps to help when there is a power failure. What a mess.

A battery back-up is a much better way to save your machine from power issues. Plus, if you get a good one -- you will be able to finish stitching a design (most of the time) and that really works for me.
The surge protectors will not help in a "brown out" or cycling power outs. They will also not protect your computers or embroidery machines from many forms of power spikes.