Gateway E-Series, Reference Manual, Page: 21 / 134

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15
Preparing power connections
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and
cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and
peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector,
which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from
reaching your computer.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power
to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot
run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS,
a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your
work and shut down your computer normally.
Checking the voltage selection
The power supply, a component built into your computer,
provides power to the system board, add-in cards, and
peripheral devices. The power supply’s voltage selection for
your location is typically set at the factory, but you can change
it to match the electrical service available in your usage area
(such as while in another country). Use the power selection
switch on the back of your computer to set the voltage to 115V
or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for
your area, check the voltage selection switch.
Warning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and
the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you
have a telephone or DSL modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack.
If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV
jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.
Caution
If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be
damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning
on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal
115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your
computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, such as
Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer is
operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved
to 230.
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