Storm-proof your electronics
Don't wait until it's too late to take precautions to safeguard your computers and other electronic items from storm damage.
After the tornado watch and other foul weather yesterday, Tech Whiz Mike Himowitz has a very timely story today about protecting against power surges and other potential power mishaps.
According to him, you don't need to spend much to insure your hardware --- and the precious data stored within --- stays functioning through many a surge caused by weather or even the cycling of appliances within your home.
Surge protectors start at $8 and go way up from there, but just make sure you look for a few basic characteristics before you invest:
- The Underwriters Laboratory label certifying the device is a Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor that complies with UL Standard 1449 is key, Whiz says.
- Check out how much energy the suppressor can absorb --- Whiz recommends a minimum of 700 joules but "More is better."
- But you need the lowest clamping voltage --- the voltage at which the suppressor starts to do its job --- possible. Most experts recommend a maximum of 400 volts.
- One last thing: opt for the lowest response time possible, like 10 nanoseconds.
(photo: Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
A native of Vietnam, 