GoBook Pro Help
Page 48 of 74
file://C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\~hh6357.htm
5/23/01
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.
Selecting the Right Equipment
There are a number of companies that sell quality surge suppressors such as Sutton Designs, APC, and
Panamax. When you are looking for a surge suppressor, consider these things.
l
Expect to pay at least $50 for a good quality surge suppressor.
l
The surge suppressor should be a UL 1449, 497, and 1283 listed for surge suppression, modem
surge protection, and RFI/EMI noise filtering respectively.
l
The surge suppressor should have diagnostic LEDs that verify good AC ground, proper wiring,
and proper surge operation. Lighted on/off switches are not recommended since they can produce
electrical noise.
l
The Joule ratings should be a minimum of 480 Joules for the AC surge circuit.
l
The Joule ratings should be a minimum of 240 Joules for the modem.
l
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.
l
Quality surge suppressor manufacturers generally offer a lifetime warranty.
l
Consider obtaining a protected equipment coverage policy which insures the equipment in the
event of surge damage.
l
The devices that will be attached to the computer also need to be surge protected.
