Computer Repair in Kalamazoo

Storms can be dangerous to your electronic equipment & computers.  Geek Easy Computers is here to help you prepare and protect your computers!

What Makes A Storm Dangerous?

Sure that sounds like an easy question, but it’s one that most people take for granted.  Electrical surges are the #1 weather related destroyer of computers and electronics.  All it takes is for a computer or device to be plugged into an unprotected circuit that experiences a power surge and ZAP.  Potential fried electronics.

How Do I Protect My Computer?

The easiest way to give your devices some protection from power surges is by making sure they are plugged into a UL (United Laboratories) rated trusted brand surge protector.  Brands such as APC, Belkin, Tripp Lite, and Kensington have proven track records and quality products.  But don’t get fooled.  Not every multi outlet power strip is a surge protector!

A power strip simply splits your outlet into multiple ports, for easier access.  A surge protector is specifically engineered to protect your computer, tv, or other devices from power surges or any other interference on your circuit.

A surge protector is definitely going to cost you more than a simple power strip.  This is one of those situations where you pretty much get what you pay for.  If  you just grab a cheap power strip off of Ebay or Amazon, don’t be surprised if it fails to adequately protect your equipment.  You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive one available either.

How Do I Choose A Surge Protector?

There are a few main things to look for when choosing a surge protector:

• Number of ports – surge protectors come in many different sizes (4,6,8 ports and bigger).  You want to make sure you have room to protect all of your equipment.
• Make sure it’s UL Certified – certified by Underwriter’s Laboratories, and meets their UL 1449 standards will make sure the surge protector will actually protect the equipment you plug into it.
• The absorption rating – This is how much electricity the surge protector can absorb before failing.  Higher the rating, the better.  Typically to protect a computer you want at least 700 joules (joules being the measurement of electricity).
• The clamping voltage –  This is what triggers the surge protector to start absorbing electricity.  Here smaller is better.  You want 400 volts or less.
• Warranty – The top reputable brands have warranties against equipment damaged by electricity while connected to the surge protector.  These warranties will cover a certain amount of damages if a power surge does get through.  Verify what is covered and what isn’t, and how to file a claim if needed.

That’s it?

That’s it.  It’s a simple but highly effective way to protect your computer and other electronic investments, but is often overlooked and underestimated.  Geek Easy Computers is here to help make your technology easy, and we want to help you keep it safe also!  Stop in our store and talk to one of the crew about protecting your computer with a quality surge protector today!