Power Protection

Chariton Valley recommends the use of a Quality Surge Protector to protect your PC and accessories.
Read below for more information on Power Protection

What Surge Protectors are, and why they should be used
Differences between Surge Protectors and Power Strips
Where do Surges originate from?
Terminology used in Surge Protection Devices
Which devices should be protected using a Surge Protector?
- Should I protect my Phone and/or Ethernet Line?
How do Surge Protectors affect DSL Service?
What kinds of Power Events can Damage Electronic Equipment?
Surge Protectors vs. Battery Backup Units
Surge Protector Safety Tips

What Surge Protectors are, and why they should be used

Surge protectors are devices that can protect the equipment connected to them from transient voltage
spikes (surges) by either dissipating the excess current or diverting it to earth ground.

All Electronic devices have a specific voltage range that they are designed to operate within.
During the use of these devices, external factors can cause the voltage being supplied to them
to fluctuate outside of the designed operating range.

Use of a surge protector to limit the frequency of transient voltage spikes can significantly prolong
the life of the equipment connected to it.

Differences between Surge Protectors and Power Strips

Power Strips and Surge Protectors can look like similar devices, but they serve different purposes.

The intended purpose of a Power Strip is only to provide multiple power receptacles from one power
source. They are generally lower in price than surge protectors and can range from $5—$10.

Surge protectors can also provide multiple power receptacles, but their main purpose is to protect the
equipment connected to them from transient voltage.

Surge protectors can support a variety of connection methods, including receptacles for Coaxial Cable,
RJ45 (Network cabling),and RJ11 (Telephone cabling).

Surge protectors can vary in complexity and quality and the price can range from inexpensive models
($10-$20) to elaborate power protections systems costing up to $150.00

Where do Surges originate from?

Power Surges are not necessarily always the fault of the power company. Environmental factors such
as Lightning during Thunderstorms, falling trees and other debris during high winds can also produce
the conditions during which surges could occur.

Power quality can differ among the different areas it is supplied, rural areas or areas located farther
away from a power sub-station can be at an elevated risk for power related events.

The same environmental factors that can cause surges in power lines, can also have the same effect
on telephone and Ethernet lines.

Even buried cable television lines can be at risk as Lightning striking the ground near them can produce
surges in the line.

Terminology used in Surge Protection Devices

Joule
The International unit of energy. The energy produced by a power of one watt flowing for one second.

A Surge Protector with a higher ‘Joule’ rating will generally be able to better protect your equipment
And will have a longer mean time between failure.

Clamping Voltage
The voltage at which a surge protector starts to absorb or divert current.

A Surge protector with a lower ‘Clamping Voltage’ will be able to better protect your equipment by
being able to ‘Clamp’ (stop) voltage spikes before they reach dangerous levels.

Response Time
How fast a surge protector can react to changes in voltage.

Which devices should be protected using a Surge Protector?

Most electronic devices will benefit from the use of a typical home/office surge protector. Home appliances
can be protected with surge protection methods, but larger devices will have specific commercial surge
suppression needs.

Avoid using a surge protector with devices requiring a high current draw, such as space heaters,
as they may exceed the power handling ability of the surge protector.

Should I protect my Phone and/or Ethernet Line?

Yes, in addition to power line protection, surge protection on Phone and Ethernet lines connected
to computer equipment is recommended.

If you have a Dial-up or DSL Modem, running the phone line through a surge protector will help protect
the modem, but can have adverse effects on DSL service in some instances. (see below)

If your internet connection uses an Ethernet line that connects to an external source, such as our
Fiber-to-the-Home service does, then running the line through a surge protector can help protect
your computer.

How do Surge Protectors affect DSL Service?

DSL is a very signal-sensitive service, and the surge protection methods used by some Surge Protectors
has been shown to inhibit DSL synchronization.

It is always best to check with a Sales representative or the manufacturer for the compatibility of a
particular Surge Protector with DSL service.

In other instances, initially, a particular may allow the DSL signal to pass through, however, as these
devices suppress an increasing amount of surges, they may begin to inhibit the DSL signal.

If you use a surge protector in line with your DSL modem, and your DSL service goes out, it can be
A helpful trouble shooting step to remove the surge protector to see if service is restored.

What kinds of Power Events can Damage Electronic Equipment?

Spikes/Surges
A temporary or extended period of elevated voltage that can result in damage to electronic components.

Dropouts
A momentary sag (drop) in voltage. Dropouts are usually less damaging than surges or brownouts,
but in areas with unstable power, dropouts can cumulatively be just as damaging.

Dropouts are usually observed and very quick and substantial reductions in line voltage, such as a light
bulb flickering from off back to on quickly.

It is important to note that a Surge protector will have little benefit in areas experiencing numerous
Power Dropouts. This condition would be better remedied by a Battery Backup device (UPS).

Brownouts
An extended period of reduced line voltage.

Brownouts can vary in duration and severity, and are particularly hard on electronic equipment.

Brownouts can be a common occurrence in rural areas, use of a Battery Backup device on computer
equipment is strongly recommended in areas experiencing brownouts

Blackouts
An extended period of total power failure.

Blackouts can occur for a variety of reasons, and are usually not as damaging as other power
events. However, Blackouts can be damaging to Computers if they are a frequent occurrence.

The use of a Battery Backup device is favorable over a surge protector in areas where Blackouts
are experienced frequently.

Surge Protectors vs. Battery Backup Units

Battery Backup Units (Also referred to as a UPS—Uninterruptible Power Supply) provide
voltage regulation beyond surges, and can provide protection against Dropouts, Brownouts and
Blackouts.

By allowing your computer to temporarily operate during a total power failure, the use of a Battery
Backup unit can provide you with time to save your open files and documents.

Surge Protector Safety Tips

Never connect more than one surge protector or power strip together in series (‘Daisy-Chain’)
Doing so could overload the electrical circuit!

Never use a surge protector in conjunction with a extension cord. Providing multiple power
receptacles at the end of the extension cord could cause excess power draw, outside of the
design specifications of the extension cord.

Never place a surge protector or power strip in any area that is susceptible to extreme temperatures
or moisture.

Avoid covering the cord of the surge protector with flammable material, tape, etc. or placing the
Surge protector in any area in which air flow would be restricted.