Surge Protection
A large number of computer and high technology equipment damage is directly related to AC power
and telephone line problems. These problems can include surges, spikes, noise, interference, and
weather-related problems, which in turn can cause glitches, hang-ups, crashes, performance slow
downs, and down time with computer equipment. The market is flooded with hundreds of AC power
line surge suppressors advertising high performance surge protection; only a few of them actually
provide adequate protection.
This section provides guidelines for selecting a quality surge suppressor to be used with your Duo-
Touch, and it helps identify a few sources for products with acceptable performance.
Selecting the Right Surge Protection
Consider the level of quality you need when selecting a surge suppressor. This depends on factors
such as surge environment, the type of equipment to be protected, and the quality of the electrical
wiring and service.
Surge Environment
Surge environment refers to the damage potential from electrical surges in a particular geographical
area. A high quality suppressor should be used if there is frequent lightning activity in the area and the
location service is fed by overhead utility poles.
Type of Equipment to be Protected
If the computer is equipped with a modem, the modem should also be surge protected. Protecting the
power line without protecting the modem line provides only partial protection.
Quality of Electrical Wiring and Service
Wiring should be up to current NEC standards and have verified good AC grounds. It is important that
your computer system be plugged into a grounded AC outlet when charging and that all peripherals
connected to your system reference the same AC ground.
Equipment Selection
There are a number of companies that sell quality surge suppressors. When you are looking for a surge
suppressor, consider these things.
Expect to pay at least $50 for a good quality surge suppressor.
The surge suppressor should be a UL 1449, 497, and 1283 listed for surge suppression,
modem surge protection, and RFI/EMI noise filtering respectively.
The surge suppressor should have diagnostic LEDs that verify good AC ground, proper
wiring, and proper surge operation. On/off switches that light are not recommended since
they can produce electrical noise.
The Joule ratings should be a minimum of 480 Joules for the AC surge circuit.
The Joule ratings should be a minimum of 240 Joules for the modem.
The modem surge circuit should present low capacitance to the modem line or it will slow the
transmission rate. Capacitance should be specified at less than 50 picofarads.
Quality surge suppressor manufacturers generally offer a lifetime warranty.
Consider obtaining a protected equipment coverage policy which insures the equipment in
the event of surge damage.
The devices that will be attached to the computer also need to be surge protected.
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