Job Discussion Forums

[gdlmx1229]

Are surge protectors necessary in Mexico, particularly in a big city like Guadalajara? I'm trying to decide if I should purchase a surge protector for my laptop.

Would it be a good idea to purchase an adapter for three prong plugs in order to plug them into a two prong outlet? Do most outlets in Mexico, specifically Guadalajara, only have two prongs?

Thank you!

[FreddyM]

I highly recommend getting a very good surge protector, especially for something expensive like a laptop. At least in Mexico City, outages can be common and when the power returns there can be a spike. I had a desktop blow out during one outage when the power returned...and that was WITH a surge protector (though a cheap one). I have relatives that when the power goes out, they unplug TVs, refrigerators and any other expensive electronic equipment for when the power returns.
Some older buildings only have the two-prong ungrounded outlets, but you can find adaptors fairly easily almost anywhere.

[Samantha]

Right on. And additionally we use a UPS (and love it!) because our electricity seems to go off for only a few seconds, just long enough to crash modems and computers. We also have surge protectors (heavy duty ones) for the fridge and microwave. I had been through about 4 microwaves until we bought it. The "brown-outs" we also experience are quite damaging.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uninterruptible_power_supply

[deeb]

I agree with Samantha and FreddyM. I actually didn't know what the English word for UPS was, since I learned the Spanish term "no break". During the rainy season in Guadalajara the electricity cuts out often and we also unplug our stereo and other expensive equipment during the storms. No breaks are kind of expensive here - I've been quoted prices above $100 dollars. But, the amount of frustration you avoid can make them well worth the price.

[sunrader]

Yes, definitely, do whatever you can to protect against surges, brownouts, bad wiring... including stuff like crossing your fingers and holding your breath when you plug stuff into questionable places (I use the battery if I'm really nervous) and yes, adapters - good.

[gdlmx1229]

So, should I purchase a surge protector, an adapter and a UPS in the U.S.? Would they probably be cheaper in the U.S.?

Thank you!

[notamiss]

Most of the UPS units I've seen include surge protection. Typically they have either 6 or 8 outlets, of which half (3�4) offer back-up capability and the other half are only surge protection without backup. So keep in mind you would only need a separate surge protector for other equipment like kitchen appliances or TV, not your computer equipment.

I just bought a UPS at Costco for about 1700 pesos. Cheaper ones are available. Not sure how low the prices on the most basic models go, maybe 800 pesos?

[MELEE]

Also look for special regulators for refridgerators or other things that have a motor in them. This is a different piece of equipment than ones for pure electronics.