Dell 4150 owner manual Power Protection Devices, Surge Protectors, Line Conditioners

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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.

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Setting Up and Using Your Computer