Each month, the typical business or home experiences several electrical disturbances — from infrequent blackouts to spikes and surge fluctuations. What most people don't realize, however, is that even the slightest electrical blip poses a danger to all programmable appliances, whether the device is a telephone, a computer, or a high–priced server. And if your computer or telephone no longer works after a power surge, it most likely won't be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Types of power problems

Even momentary power fluctuations can cause damage to computer components over time. The chips and circuit inside PCs and peripherals are highly sensitive. Unless these components receive clean, steady 120–volt AC current, they won't perform as designed. Small power fluctuations can also corrupt or erase data stored on hard drives.
Here are the most common types of power problems and how they can damage your computer:

1. Blackouts – Total loss of utility power

While most blackouts in the United States are relatively brief, storm–related blackouts can last hours or even days.
Blackouts can harm computers in two ways:

• The sudden loss of power can crash the system and erase data
• When power is restored, a momentary surge may result


2. Brownouts – Decrease in voltage level

This is the most common power problem. Brownouts often happen when unusually high demands are made on the power grid, like during the summer months with increased A/C usage. They can also occur when large electrical devices are turned on nearby.
Brownouts can harm computers in several ways:


• Hardware damage
• Systems crash
• Data loss
• Performance problems


3. Spikes and Surges – Increase in voltage level
Spikes, which are often caused by lightning strikes, are brief but extreme. They can literally fry computer components. Surges are less intense than spikes, but tend to last longer. Surges can harm computers in two ways:


• Cause incremental damage that gradually degrades system performance
• Erase or corrupt valuable data



Why do you need a surge protector or battery back-up?

Even small power spikes can degrade internal circuitry and dramatically shorten the life of electronic devices. For this reason, all important electronics and appliances should be connected to a surge protector.

Most surge protectors resemble power strips, but they actually contain additional circuitry designed to absorb excess electrical energy and prevent it from reaching connected equipment. Some models feature telephone/modem, coaxial and Ethernet jacks, which provide surge protection on those lines as well.

Battery back-ups are best for personal computers, servers, external hard drives and computer monitors. In addition, many battery back-ups come with software that will automatically shut your computer down saftely in the event of a power loss.

Surge protectors are the best power protection option for equipment that does not require battery backup, including printers, scanners, fax machines, overhead projectors, TVs, cable boxes and more.

Many battery back-ups contain four or five plugs that are both surge protection and battery back-up and four or five plugs that are surge protection only.

For more information about protecting your home or business with a surge protector or battery back-up, contact Drake Hardware and Software at 319.752.1155