Unless you've isolated from grid fluctuation, filtered power; and used automatic
switching power regulation (with backup power supply; has battery to run Mac)
then your Mac can be affected by many smaller incidents that may not set off
the gross level of a primitive 'surge protector' or power strip, among others.
I've two different vintage Mac mini here; both on, and allowed to sleep. Seldom
restart an older Late 2005 Mac Mini 1.5GHz (last PPC version) runs Leopard 10.5.8.
And newer, Late 2012 Mac Mini i7 2.3GHz quad-core (server) with dual 1TB HDDs
both drives partitioned 50% ~ and in three of four portions, each has one macOS.
Newest macOS 10.13.6, oldest Mac OS X 10.9.5(server), and in daily use 10.11.6.
Decided more than 20 years ago to put an end to failed models/brands of power
related hardware problems. Hadn't used 'surge protectors' for any more than their
multiple outlets; found some good plain multiple non-surge protection ones instead.
[These have been plugged into at least 1250W backup APC mini-tower power filtered
UPS automatic-regulating switching units ~ they need new batteries every few years.]
Do not advance purchase these, as they don't store well, and their sealed lead-acid
batteries are like produce; if not used + exercised, they go bad on the shelf unused.
No point in having new-old stock, here; and a worthless expired warranty to boot.
Several brands of these have been tried, settled for those I can buy in this region
because they weigh alot and spare batteries are less costly to ship than new units.
So APC was not my first choice; other brands had immediate hardware failures; or
had designs that required replacement of entire UPS unit. Sealed to end-user and
evidence of surge and switch-over to their internal batteries; with insufficient tech.
These can or should have a cable to control UPS (special USB cable) so the PC or
Mac has means to also control their function; Mac has its own software included.
Better UPS (uninterruptable backup power supplies) are costly in AK where I live.
And having a spare on hand, means little ~ when they go bad, spoil like old fruit.
I can ration the power from one APC branded unit, shut down manually and switch
off the power strips to additional accessories, so the one(s) can be finished in use
before their automated shut-off time (or power depletion) causes the UPS battery
to run dead; and I've had more than 100 macs, safe behind automatic UPS.
There is no reason to use a 'surge protector' no matter their claims or fakery that
may suggest they actually add value to your kit. These generally IMHO are false;
and far better to proactively have knowledge and spare more expense to protect
via battery backups with automatic power regulation, instead of trickery or fraud.
The APC brand model of first acquaintance totally failed; on first power surge..
Had a battery backup and automatic switching, that failed on first run. And their
warranty was useless; they did offer for me to pay to return their failed unit.
That meant I wasn't getting warranty a replacement. So I bought other brands
which were then available; however the few stores that had inventory of those
went out of business. In isolated states such as AK, costs more to do everything.
Do not trust in poorly designed surge strips; and low-time battery backup UPS;
those, most useless. Battery backup buys you time to safely shut down your Mac.
Good luck & happy computing!🌻|🤖
