Summer Sizzle Brings Blackouts Sags and Spikes to Your Computer Systems
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Computers Technology -> subcategory Other.
Summer Sizzle: Protect Your Computer Systems from Blackouts, Sags, and Spikes
Summary:
Summer can be a risky time for computer systems due to power grid issues caused by air conditioner use and extreme weather like lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Proper surge protection is essential to safeguard valuable electronics.---
Why Take Chances?
The summer season can wreak havoc on both new and vintage computer systems and software, causing power issues like brownouts, sags, and spikes. These can lead to serious damage and loss, not just of equipment, but of the time and effort spent on setup and maintenance.
The Impact of Summer Heat
While summer offers the chance to enjoy the sun, it also strains power grids due to increased air conditioner use. Utilities may adjust voltage output, resulting in power fluctuations that can harm computer hardware and software. The historic blackout of August 2003 affected 50 million people, costing an estimated $6 billion, highlighting the potential for widespread disruption.
The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) estimates that smaller outages cost the U.S. economy around $50 billion annually.
Weather Risks
The U.S. experiences about 1,000 tornadoes each year, bringing unpredictable winds of up to 300 mph, which can destroy utility lines and cause unexpected blackouts.
Last year’s hurricane season, marked by a record number of named storms, showed the potential for large-scale disruptions. Notably, hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma all reached category five status.
Lightning is another major concern, with each flash holding about 1 billion volts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports an average of 20 million cloud-to-ground flashes annually since 1989.
Protecting Your Systems
To safeguard your computer systems, investing in proper surge protection is crucial:
1. Power Bars with Switches: While common and inexpensive, these are not true surge protectors. They may provide a false sense of security.
2. Inexpensive Surge Protection: These offer better protection than a simple switch but are often made with silica sand, which loses effectiveness over time, especially with moisture. Replace these annually and ensure they're rated for your system's power use.
3. High-Quality Surge Protectors: A more reliable choice. Ensure they are rated above peak power use for optimal protection.
4. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): For the best protection, consider a UPS. It maintains power to your equipment by switching to battery power during a failure, commonly used to protect computers.
Take Action
Don't leave your valuable computer systems at risk. Like fire departments that focus on prevention, ensure your systems are safeguarded. In emergencies, unplugging your devices, including phone or broadband connections, offers the ultimate protection.
Protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your systems by staying prepared during the summer season.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Summer Sizzle Brings Blackouts Sags and Spikes to Your Computer Systems.
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