In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the dangers of operating computers without electrical power protection, both from outages and from surges which can be harmful to your equipment.  Now, in Part 2 we will discuss what you should actually do to protect yourself.

Since most businesses maintain at least one server which stores critical files, protecting your server is the most important consideration when it comes to power outages and surges.  That’s why when we install a new server, we include setting up an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as part of the scope of work.  Most of the UPS’s we deploy are made by American Power Conversion (APC), the most significant player in the UPS marketplace, and we prefer to use them because of their proven track record for reliability. 

Make sure that your server, or any computer which contains critical data, is protected by a UPS.  You need to protect the hardware so that all cables which could potentially carry a power surge are routed through the UPS.  You should also install software so that when the power goes out for any extended period the server is notified and shuts itself down properly without human intervention.  Batteries in UPS devices are usually only reliable for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on power load, and when that time is close to running out, the server should shut itself down gracefully.

I would suggest that you consider protecting your other equipment from power outages/surges as well.  Even though the server is the most important piece, there can be considerable amounts of lost revenue and productivity when other equipment is taken out of action, even for a short period of time.  For example, I have a desktop UPS which protects my computer and its peripherals.  When there is a power issue, I can keep right on working for a good 20 minutes.  Then, if the problem is not resolved, I can simply shut down (or allow the computer to shut itself down automatically).

I can hear some of you asking, “But I have a power strip.  Isn’t that good enough?”  The short answer is "No." The reason is because power strips, even with surge protection, have very limited usefulness.  Obviously, they do nothing to soften the impact of outages and brownouts, but be aware that many of them don’t actually help when it comes to surges either.  Typically, they are good for about one power surge, and after that they don’t protect you any more.  How do you know if your surge protector is really going to protect you the next time it’s needed?  The problem is, 90% of the time, you don’t.  So I suggest getting a desktop UPS, which isn’t very expensive. 

Why not get a UPS to protect every piece of equipment you have on your network.?  It’s a small investment that will save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation.

If you need more information, please call us at 630-379-0330.