New electronic equipment needs better protection

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The improvements we have seen in home and workplace equipment demand an additional care level. We now need to look at 'battery backup' in addition to surge protection


by RALPH WINFIELD

About four years ago, I wrote an article telling you why it was essential that you have surge protection for your computer and other sophisticated electronic equipment. Several of us had taken a surge hit as a result of a lightning strike.

In the event, all three of us only had to replace the surge protection units. For two of us that was only the power bar – at a cost of about $30. For the third person, who had more extensive electronics in his barn, the cost was about $200, which was still a small price to pay to save high-priced electronic gear.

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on where you stand with respect to newer technology in your living room or office, it might be time to upgrade your level of protection.

Many of our new TVs and computers have the slim line look. And, yes, the quality of the images on those screens has been improved unbelievably in only a few years.

But improvement brings an additional care level. We now need to look at "battery backup" in addition to surge protection. With the increased signal quality and transmission speed, even very short duration power interruptions apparently can cause equipment damage as well as data loss.

It does make sense that with all the additional small electrical input suppliers that we now have in Ontario, it will be much more difficult for the power supply authority to precisely control supply voltage and short-term voltage variations, power surges or outages. Thus, the concept of "battery backup" in addition to surge protection for sensitive electronic equipment is likely to be a very good insurance investment.

Battery backup units with surge protection are available in a range of wattage capability levels, as well as runtimes after a power supply interruption. As expected, the cost of the unit rises as both wattage and runtime without supply power increases. These readily available units cost between $75 and $200. Additional features such as automatic shutdown software for the computer are also available at additional cost.

Unfortunately I am not in a position to make specific recommendations for the size and features of the battery backup system that you need. Please consult your TV or computer system supplier for recommendations for your electronic systems, including the flat screen TV. As a result of two recent local power outages, we have battery backup for the computer and will have one for the TV shortly. BF

Agricultural engineer Ralph Winfield farms at Belmont in Elgin County.