What is a blackout?

Power failure, also known as a blackout, is the easiest power problem to diagnose: If the light goes out, you're probably experiencing a power failure. Any temporary (or not so temporary) interruption of the flow of electricity will result in a power failure that can cause hardware damage and data loss.

What causes a blackout?

Violent weather is the first thing that people think of in connection with a blackout, however there are many other possibilities such as- Overburdened power grids, vehicle accidents that bring down power lines, stray animals and human error.

Why are blackouts harmful to computers and other electronic equipment?

Blackouts can cause computer users to lose unsaved work when their systems shut down without warning. Power failures can even damage hard drives, resulting in loss of some or all data on a system. A single power outage on a high-traffic network can stall hundreds of users, and impact an entire organization’s productivity. The worst part is that when the power returns, post-blackout spikes and surges can cause even more damage to sensitive electronic components.

How can I protect my computers and electronic equipment against blackouts?

An uninterruptible power source (UPS) system provides comprehensive protection against all power problems. A UPS system monitors power conditions and switches connected equipment to battery power when a blackout occurs.

What is a brownout?

A brownouts is a period of low voltage that can cause lights to dim and overtax equipment. Also known as a voltage sag, it is the most common power problem, accounting for up to 87% of all power disturbances.

What causes a brownout?

Overburdened utilities sometimes reduce their voltage output to deal with high power demand. Damaged electrical lines and other factors can also cause utility brownouts. Locally, equipment that draws massive amounts of power, such as hair dryers, air conditioners, or laser printers, can cause momentary brownouts to occur. Undervoltages are often followed by overvoltages - "spikes or surges" - that are also highly damaging to computer components and data.

What do brownouts do?

Voltage variation can be the most damaging power problem to threaten your equipment over time. All electronic devices need to receive a steady voltage in order to operate correctly. Brownouts place unwarranted strain on power supplies and other internal components, forcing them to work harder in order to function. Extended brownouts can destroy electrical components and cause data glitches and hardware failure. Overvoltage burns out power supplies and other components, and can cause massive damage to electronic hardware. Extended overvoltage can even cause fires as electronics "fry" in the extra electricity.

How can I protect against brownouts?

Voltage stabilizers and even UPS systems (few UPS like Multipower have inbuilt protection) are your best defense against both types of voltage problems.

What is a power surge?

Power surges are characterized by a sudden increase in the voltage that powers up electrical equipment. Surges often go unnoticed, often lasting only 1/120th of a second, however they are frequent and highly damaging to equipment than often perceived. The most destructive power surges are capable of completely damaging all sorts of equipment.

Where do surges come from?

In this power-hungry computer age, utility power systems are often pushed beyond their capacity, resulting in unstable, unreliable power for consumers. Overburdened power grids can generate powerful surges as they switch between sources, or generate "rolling surges" when power is momentarily disrupted. Local sources can also generate surges. For example, if your neighbor starts up an electrical motor or the office on the floor below you blows a fuse, a surge could result.

What about lightning?

A lightning strike can send a spectacular surge along power lines, damaging equipment that is plugged into nearby AC and phone outlets. Only a high-quality surge suppressor can neutralize the severity of these surges.

How can I protect against surges?

Surge Protectors can be installed in line of the equipment to be given protection or UPS with surge handling capacity can be use (eg- Multipower inverter/UPS can bear 300% surges for fraction of microseconds)

What is line noise?

The term "line noise" refers to random fluctuations or electrical impulses that are carried along with standard AC current. Turning on the florescent lights overhead, refrigerators, laser printers, working near a radio station, using a power generator, or simply working during a lightning storm can all introduce line noise into your systems. Ever notice the "snow" on your TV when you use a blender or a hair-dryer? That’s line noise being sent back into your electrical system and into your TV.

What can line noise do?

Noise can introduce glitches and errors into programs and files. Hard drive components can be damaged. Televisions and computer monitors can display interference as "static" or "snow," and audio systems can experience increased distortion levels.