Protect Your Home Computer
Personal computers and their supplemental devices (printers,
modems, etc.) are especially sensitive to power disturbances.
Overview | Protect Your Computer
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Surge Protection Checklist
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Types of Power Disturbances
Any power disturbance can have an immediate or long-range effect
on both the computer, the disk drive(s) and the data stored in
them. If you are using a computer at home, you may notice the
impact of power disturbances more than our other customers.
Many computer manufacturers recommend the use of an
Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) or a Line Conditioner to
insure that your computer and data is protected from power
disturbances. It is also important to remember that you should
regularly "back-up" the data on your computer at least every 15
minutes.
You may also wish to install a dedicated circuit to isolate
your computer from other electrical equipment. Contact a
licensed electrical contractor to help you with this.
3 Ways to Protect Your Home Computer
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1 |
Surge Suppressor
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More
A surge suppressor protects computers from spikes and surges,
which account for only 17 - 20 percent of all power
disturbances. They WILL NOT PROTECT THE
OTHER 80 PERCENT OF POWER DISTURBANCES which can cause
long-term or immediate damage to a computer or data.
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2 |
Line Conditioner
A line conditioner is designed to regulate and condition
incoming voltage to within the safe limits of a computer. A line
conditioner will protect your equipment from most sags and
surges, but it will not protect your equipment during an outage.
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3 |
Uninterruptible Power System (UPS)
A UPS uses an internal power source (batteries) to power
connected equipment during outages or when the line voltage goes
below or exceeds limits set in the unit. UPS's usually have
between 5 and 15 minutes of battery power, which will let you
"work-through" short outages or give you enough time to turn
your system off in an orderly manner without damage to the
equipment or data. There are many models of UPS products across
a broad price range. Generally, the more expensive UPSs have
more features (line conditioners, surge and noise suppression,
etc.)
When purchasing a line conditioner or UPS, remember to:
- Buy a product that is UL-listed and capable of handling
the electrical load of the connected equipment.
- Make sure that the unit provides surge and noise
suppression. If it does not, you will also need to purchase
a surge suppressor.
- If you need further information on how to protect your
home computer, please call us at: 800-490-0075.
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Overview | Protect Your Computer
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Surge Protection Checklist
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Types of Power Disturbances
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