Top Ten Protection Checklist

American Power Conversion, the worldwide leader in availability solutions, has compiled this checklist to protect valuable computers and electronics (and the data they contain) in the event of blackouts or other frequent power problems.

1. Start with AC Line Surge ProtectionSurge Protection Selector

Item #PER7T Personal Surgearrest Strip, 6'cord, 7-outlet
Item #PRO8T2 Professional Surgestation, 8-outlet Strip 6' cord W/Telephone jack
Item #NET8N Network Surgearrest 8-outlt Strip, 6' cord 10bt

At the very least, any "critical" electronics should be protected from harmful high voltage (surges or spikes). Regular outlet strips aren't helpful unless they contain any surge suppression capability. Look for surge protectors with low let-through voltage ratings. How does this help during a blackout? When the utility restores power, it can sometimes fluctuate (causing surges, spikes, and sags) until it returns to normal.

2. BulletproofSurge Protection Selector

Item #P10B2 Thinnet 10Base-2 Network Surge Protector
Item #PNET1GB, PROTECTNET 1-port surge protector with Gigabit Protection

Surges can enter electronic equipment by any connection leading into the unit, either by electrical cord, telephone cord, data line, coaxial cable, etc. Be sure to close off any possible entrance to equipment by selecting surge protectors with telephone/data line/coax protection (whatever your particular application calls for).

3. Think RuntimeUPS Selector UPS Upgrade Selector

In addition to basic surge protection, electronics users should consider those devices they think would benefit from continued operation in case of an outage. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS, also known as a battery backup) provides battery-supplied backup power during a blackout. These units can be sized to the anticipated application according to the amount of VA/watts consumed by the connected devices and the amount of runtime required. Visit http://sizing.apc.com for details.

4. Monitor and ManageUPS Selector UPS Upgrade Selector

Item #AP9411 APC PowerChute Business Edition, 25 Node

Computer users can benefit from use of a power management software utility. In tandem with a serial/USB connection to a UPS, power management software can monitor the quality of power coming into the user's building, keep a log of any power events, and notify the user (via pager, e-mail, etc.) if any pre-set threshold has been reached. In addition, most power management software allows for the ability to automatically and safely shut down operating systems and certain running applications, as well as save any data in progress.

5. MobilityNotebook Battery Selector Cable Selector

Item #TC1400BN Power Ready Noyebook Case 1400 CU-IN Balistic Nylon

In addition to any stationary computer or electronic devices, users should consider availability solutions for mobile equipment as well, including laptops, PDAs, cell phones, etc. Notebook computers alone require power accessories such as removable batteries, power adapters, mobile surge protectors, etc. New solutions include cables to recharge PDAs and cell phones via a laptop's USB port. APC's new TravelPower Case contains an integrated universal power adapter to power/recharge several mobile devices. When it comes to the ultimate in mobile power accessories, everything else is just baggage.

6. CompatibilityNotebook Battery Selector Cable Selector

Information technology continues to grow, as do the number of vendors bringing products to the marketplace. Compatibility is especially important when trying to keep everything up and running. Your chosen availability solutions vendor should be able to integrate not only with a wide array of desktop operating systems, network management tools, and popular software applications, but also with the wide array of device plug types, data line connectors, and voltage requirements. Look for a worldwide leader to ensure the perfect fit for your electronics.

7. Shutdown Not an Option?UPS Selector UPS Upgrade Selector

Item # BR1500, APC Back-UPS RS 1500VA
Item # SUA2200RMXL3U, Smart-UPS 2200VA XL - UPS (rack-mountable)-AC 120 V, 2200 VA - RS-232, USB - 11 output connector(s) - 3U 3U

Should your particular application require constant runtime, safe system shutdown may not be the best option. In such instances, customers should size their UPS according to required runtime should the power go out. Battery backup units range from a few hundred VA (appropriate for desktop electronics protection) to the millions (for entire facility protection). For such larger-sized applications, customers have options as to whether single-phase or three-phase UPSs are the best fit for their power needs.

8. Need an Extension?UPS Selector UPS Upgrade Selector

Many UPS models have the means to add extra batteries to increase power capacity. This option is available for battery backup units suitable for desktop, server, networking/telecom equipment, and environments where power is considered at the rack, row, or room level.

9. No ObsolescenceUPS Selector UPS Upgrade Selector

Users should have multiple options (both in and out of warranty) for update or replacement of older power protection solutions. UPS batteries do eventually wear out, but this occurrence shouldn't mean the end of the unit's usefulness. Choices vary from easy battery replacement (handled by the vendor, including return shipment of the used battery for proper, environmentally friendly disposal), battery replacement with warranty renewal, or trading an existing unit (even competitive brands) towards purchase of a new one. Visit http://www.apcc.com/tools/upgrade_selector for more details.

10. Generator IntegratorUPS Selector UPS Upgrade Selector

During the initial moments of a blackout, many business users anticipate the kick-in of an on-site generator and imagine this to be sufficient for the normal, continuous operation of their sensitive IT equipment. Battery backup is still considered a wise investment for several reasons. Most large on-site generators take time to start up, requiring a cross-over solution until they reach the appropriate power level. A quality UPS can handle this transition. Also, the operation of motor-driven generators is typically accompanied by voltage transients. A quality UPS helps to filter the sags and surges that can harm sensitive electronic components. The same advice is applicable to smaller generators meant for home applications.

Follow Up!

For more information on APC's Legendary Reliability solutions, visit us online at http://www.apcc.com or call Swift Office Solutions toll-free 888-757-9755 or email sales@sosnet.com

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