In the age of fast paced business, home offices, and hi-tech electronics, keeping computer systems up and running is a critical part of today’s technology. Despite advances in the capabilities of modern personal computers and other sensitive electronic equipment, a momentary power outage is still all it takes to lose data or damage sensitive electronics.

In order to understand the need for power protection, it is important to understand the different types of power disturbances which can wreak havoc on sensitive electronics. The following power abnormalities can cause premature failure of delicate internal components, lost data, and even catastrophic damage to hardware:

• Surges are short term increases in voltage, typically lasting at least 1/120 of a second. Sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, are designed to receive power within a certain voltage range. Anything outside of the expected peak levels will stress delicate components and cause them to fail.
• Spikes are a quick increases in voltage typically caused by a nearby lightening strike or the result of utility power coming back on-line after being out due to a storm. A spike can enter electronic equipment, damage or completely destroy components.
• Brownouts, also known as a sag, are a short term decreases in voltage levels. A sag can "starve" a computer of the power it needs to function, causing frozen keyboards and unexpected system crashes resulting in the loss or corruption of data.
• Blackouts involve a total loss of utility power which can also result in lost data and damaged equipment.

The most basic power protection begins with the use of surge protectors. Surge protectors will absorb any overvoltage caused by a power surge or spike and will prevent the harmful electrical current from damaging your equipment. American Power Conversion (APC), a leading manufacturer in the power protection industry, recommends year-round power protection for all sensitive electronic equipment, particularly computer hardware, accessories, as well as other household appliances such as televisions, microwaves, and audio/visual equipment.

Did you know according to a Contingency Planning study, power failure accounts for over 45% of computer data loss? The purchase of a battery back-up system, known as a uninterruptible power supply (UPS), can safeguard equipment and data and save thousands of dollars in potential downtime or damage. A UPS will protect equipment from hardware damage and data loss by filtering out bad power and by utilizing its battery back-up system leaving time for a safe shutdown of workstations and other sensitive electronic equipment.

APC recommends using the following check list of recommended features to consider when purchasing power protection:

• Guaranteed Protection. The power protection vendor should offer to repair or replace equipment, up to a certain monetary value, if the equipment is damaged when properly plugged into a surge protector or UPS.
• Safety Requisites. Look for products which have been tested against the IEEE 587 and IEE 664. This ensures the product has met standards for power protection.
• Agency Approvals. The product should be listed with the UL in the United States.
• Industry awards/ user references. Awards from independent industry sources are a good indication of a quality product that’s been field- tested.

For complete protection, consider the diverse features and options available before purchasing a UPS or surge protection equipment. For more information visit APC’s website at www.apcc.com   or call 800-800-4APC.