Power Protection Devices; Surge Protectors; Line Conditioners - Dell Inspiron 4150 Owner's Manual

50 Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available that protect against power fluctuations and
failures:
•

Surge protectors

•

Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to
prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during
electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is
usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge
protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of
damage. Dell recommends that you carefully read the device warranty when
choosing a surge protector. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative
effectiveness of different devices.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes. Dell
recommends that you disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet when
lightning occurs in your area.
NOTICE: Surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power
interruptions.
Power surges on telephone lines can damage modems. Dell recommends
that you disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack during
electrical storms. Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem
protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection
instructions.
NOTICE: Network adapter protection is not available on surge protectors.
Dell recommends that you disconnect the network cable from the network wall
jack during electrical storms.
Line Conditioners
NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant
level. Line conditioners cost considerably more than surge protectors.