Is Your Technology Ready For Storm Season?

Think about what you keep on your computer. If you are like most people, you probably have a number of important files, financial information, school work, or a collection of family photos. Chances are, if your computer were to be harmed, you would miss a lot of important things.

This morning’s storm prompted me to re-evaluate, and pause to think about my technology. Is ready for storm season? Severe weather can have a great impact on one’s computer equipment, but it is also very important to consider your Cable or DSL Modem, your Wireless Router, or your home VOIP (Voice over IP Phone).

Lightning is a primary danger to a PC. The power in a bolt of lightning is immense and can instantly destroy a computer. Take lightning strikes seriously. A lightning strike, even miles away, can travel through wiring quickly, and leave computer components rendered useless.

Lightning and power problems can cause significant computer damage and downtime. Every summer, I hear of several cases where equipment (and the data they contain) is lost simply due to the lack of proper power protection.

The best step in protecting yourself is to ensure that all of your devices, including your personal computer, printer, router, cable or DSL modem, and monitor are all protected against power surges, spikes, and low-voltage situations through the use of a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS). An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or “battery backup” protects against power problems such as surges (high-voltage), spikes (most commonly caused by lightning), brownouts (low voltage) and black-outs. In a black-out or power loss situation, a UPS provides battery power so you can gracefully shut down your PC and avoid losing your work.

A surge protector keeps your computers and electronics safe from power surges and spikes, but does not have a battery backup. These devices are designed to “fail” and prevent high-voltage from passing through to your equipment but they will not keep you from losing work when the power goes out..

The BIGGEST thing I remind people of, is DO NOT confuse a power-strip from a surge protector! Power strips are nothing more than a fancy, glorified extension cord. They offer NO power protection.

There are two main things to look for in quality power protection. First is response time. This is the amount of time the device takes to react to a power surge. This should be 10 nanoseconds or less…any longer and you run the risk of damaging your PC.

The second thing to look for is the amount of energy it can absorb and dissipate, measured in joules. I recommend 800 joules or more. A higher joules number is always better, especially if you have multiple devices powered on the same suppressor strip.

If you are using a dial-up modem, cable or DSL, be sure the suppressor blocks electricity that can come in from those sources as well. You also want to make sure the suppressor you choose meets the UL 1449 specifications (this will be listed on the box).

The one I am running costs about $25 and has a rating of 3,940 joules, has 12 outlets, an 8 foot cord, as well as protection for the telephone and coaxial Internet cable. The manufacturer also has a $100,000 warranty on equipment, should it get damaged while using this device.

If the weather is going to be severe, often I will take the next step, and completely power down and remove the power to my systems from the wall if I am not using them. I will also unscrew the coaxial (thick black TV looking cable) from the back of the cable modem, and remove the surge suppressor / power strip from the wall. Completely isolating the power and coaxial cable will isolate the systems from lighting strikes, but it will also shut down your Internet during the storm. Unplugging your computer and all computer equipment, telephone and modem lines during a lightning storm is the ultimate protection against sudden and devastating power surge. Remember, power spikes can enter your home through any wiring, be it a power cord, television / high speed Internet cable, or a telephone cable.

When it comes to lightning damage, prevention is better than cure. Don’t take chances when it comes to lightning! Protect your technology systems. The costs of this protection will be minimal compared to the cost of damaged servers and data.

- John S. Thomas is the owner of Mr. JST Technology Consulting LLC, a Northfield based technology consulting company specializing in providing technology solutions for small business and non-profits, as well as custom personalized training for individuals. Mr. Thomas has nearly 30 years of experience in the technology industry.

For more information, visit his website at http://www.mrjst.com.