Customer Reviews

Tripp Lite LC1200 1200W Line Conditioner w/ Isobar Protection 4 outlets 120V

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

June 29, 2007

We purchased a Tripp-Lite model LC1200 wide-range AVR when the voltage tolerance of an Ultra Products model ULT33045 power protector proved inadequate to cope with our local power conditions. Inserted between the line power outlet and the Ultra, the Tripp-Lite adds enough boost-buck range to cope. We draw 100-250 W through the pair, well below rated capacity of both these units.

At 85 VAC line voltage, the combination boosts to 114 VAC, remaining within 5% tolerance with respect to 120 VAC usually recommended for the most reliable operation of electronic equipment. Observing performance over time, we find that the combination maintains 5% tolerance about 90 percent of the time and 10% tolerance all the time. We would probably not be able to obtain this quality of regulation with the Tripp-Lite alone, because its large voltage steps, 9-10 percent.

As of late June, 2007, Tripp-Lite has changed LC1200 specifications slightly since those shown here, promising regulation of 120 VAC to within -12% with input of 89 VAC. Newer units have black rather than white or gray cases.

The Tripp-Lite does not disconnect when line voltage goes lower, at least down to 85 VAC, but its maximum boost remains about 19 percent. It has a plastic hardshell case, not metal, but remains fairly cool. There is no appreciable magnetic shielding, Working near a ViewSonic P225 21-inch CRT monitor, we found that with the centers of the ViewSonic and Tripp-Lite in the same plane, the distance between the units had to be at least 0.9 m (36 in) to eliminate flicker from the Tripp-Lite's magnetic leakage.

I use this to protect an Apple Mac tower computer and CinemaDisplay monitor. We have a problem with our older house's wiring -- every time the Heating/AC kicks on there's a brief power lag.

The Tripp Lite LC1200 smooths out the power during these occasional brief lags, and we know it's working because I can hear the Tripp Lite "click" when the AC kicks on.

The only negative, and it could be a big one for some people, is the LC1200 gives off a slight "hum". I wrote Tripp Lite's tech support about this and they said this sound is normal. So I wouldn't use this in a room intended to be completely quiet, like a home theater.

The case is black if that matters to you. Simple plug and go. I have plugged my battery backup into this. I was surprised at the number of voltage drops it detected and protected my valuable audio video gear. More than I realized. Good price for basic protection.

I've been using the Tripp Lite LC series Line Conditioners personally and professionally since the early 1980's. These units are responsible for a 0 loss rate do to fluctuations in power (especially surges and brown-outs) to receivers, transmitters, computer components, and all of the other equipment that they have been protecting over the years. The equipment protected lasts longer and works reliably even in the outlying areas where the line or generator supplied power is typically unsteady.

I recently purchased this power conditioner because I live on the coast of Maine...We have power outages & I have a generator.When power goes out my generator kicks in but my Renaii Heater does not restart because the power is not clean enough. So I purchased this item on the advice of my electrician... We have had one outage since purchase in this case not long enough for the generator to go on but long enough to cut all power for about 5 seconds....When power from the street resumed, my heater started...That is good news !!We often go to Florida for 2 to 3 weeks in the winter and I want rock solid performance if we have a power outage that my generator and heaters will prevent a freeze up....So far so good, we have not had power outage so that the generator will take over, so I am waiting to see how the unit performs then

When I decided to get a generator after the last 5 day outage, I was concerned about feeding power to sensitive electronics. The Tripp Lite unit insures that I have a consistent 120 volts to power up laptops, tv's, dvd players and charge cell phones safely.

No worries on this end!

I've owned this thing for about a year now. The only complaint I have is the faint humming sound others have mentioned. I use it to protect my computer and LCD monitor in my room. My computer is on 24/7 and the fan sounds completely cover up the hum. But when everything in my room is off there is a detectable hum even through the device is behind a TV several feet away from me. It's not something that stops me from going to sleep.

I saw a transformer blow outside my house last night (second time this year.) I'm pretty sure there was a power surge afterwards since the power came back for a spit second after it blew. I heard it clicking away throughout all of that and it seemed to do its job. When the power came back on an hour later it registered a low voltage for about 20 minutes then the green light went back on normal. None of my electronics were damaged however I'm not aware of anything else in the house being damaged either. Cheap insurance nonetheless. I've replaced plenty of blown power supplies from power surges.

I used this unit to replace a 15 year old unit that had stopped providing protection at the low voltage end. The old unit was also a Tripp Lite. It was housed in metal, which I still prefer but this unit is much lighter. It remains to be seen if the plastic holds up as well as the metal during moves. I used a "Watts Up Pro" AC Power Watts Up PRO meter to monitor the output of this Line conditioner. The voltage never dropped below 110 volt, nor above 124 volts. The old unit allowed the voltage to drop to 103 volts; the same voltage drop that I measured in my house without using the new Line Conditioner.

I would recommend this unit to anyone wanting to protect ANY high tech device that does not do well with low voltage. Despite what you may have heard, 68% of voltage damage comes from LOW voltage, not HIGH voltage. When I get a new Refrigerator, I will order another unit just like this to protect it. All new refrigerators only carry a one year warranty and the majority of them contain very expensive electronic circuits. The cost of this unit is cheap insurance against blown electronics found in expensive appliances.

I had a problem with a power surge that damaged some very expensive radar equipment and this was recommended by an electronics company. I have no way of knowing if it works properly because of the nature of its operation but I felt the cost was insignificant compared to the equipmant it may protect.
I was very pleased with the quick delivery and the cost which was much lower than the electronics company quoted.

I have been using an LC1200 for more than 2 years now. I would highly recommend the LC1200 if you have any variability in your electric line or have electronics that fail frequently.

The only time I notice it is when everything else is turned off, there is a faint hum. And when I hear the occasional click that tells me it just did its job.