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Do you have the power?

Posted by Dana Camp on August 22, 2008 in Computer Care

The late summer and early fall bring in those afternoon thunderstorms.  They bring relief to a hot day, and have a unique beauty in nature.  The lightning strikes, the thunder rumbles, but then the power goes out, or the phones or the internet go dead.  Here are some tips to help make sure your computer gear is prepared.

Unplug it: If you can, shut down and unplug your equipment, this will make it impossible for lightning to damage your equipment.

Protection: Use of a surge suppressors is highly recommended.  They have whole house surge suppressors which can be wired into your breakers, as well as ones that resemble power strips.  Surge suppressors have the ability to absorb the surge before they damage your equipment.

Telephone and cable: The majority of lightning strikes affecting computer equipment actually hit telephone poles.  Telephone and cable equipment can be adversely affected.  Look for surge suppressors that can protect these as connections as well, and if you have DSL, look for a premium suppressors which will say that it supports it.

e-911: If you have telephone service from voice over IP (vonage), or from the cable company, Connecticut law says you must leave this equipment plugged in, just in case you need to call 911.  Disconnecting equipment momentarily to attach surge suppression is still okay.

“Batteries not included,” my previous entry, goes into more detail about how to know when to replace your surge supressor, and how to monitor battery backups as well.