Help on power source

[lazarus]

I finally got a UPS (uninterruptable power supply). It's already helped once (power went out, gave me time to shut down, etc.).

My question: I still get weird flickers from power problems. For instance, my monitor screen just went wacky for split second when my daughter turned on the dryer (on another circuit, I believe). Sometimes, when we turn something on that's plugged in somewhere else in the room, esp. a vacuum cleaner, etc., I not only get that, I get a pop in the speakers.

Everything's running through the UPS. Do I need something else? I'm getting worried, because not only is it affecting my PC, I'll be getting a widescreen TV soon, and I don't want it messed up, too.

[hobbit709]

1. I would get an electrician

to check the house wiring. If you get these flickers from another circuit you may have some wiring problems.

[RoyGBiv]

2. What hobbit said ...

A UPS won't solve all your problems if you have bad power surges, which is what it appears you have.

I'm repeating hobbit's advice because of your mentioning the widescreen television. I've seen many people shell out thousands of dollars on a high-end television and have it ruined in such a way that the warranty didn't cover it due to bad wiring. I'm no electrician, so I won't speculate what the problem is, but I do suggest you get your wiring checked out before making such a purchase.

[lazarus]

3. Okay

Thanks, both of you.

Sigh. I really don't want to do this, since we're renting.

[hobbit709]

4. It's the landlord's responsibility

to provide safe wiring. I know that renting a house with bad wiring would involve all sorts of code violations. Ask your landlord and see if he'll do something. Bad wiring is also a fire hazard.