Protecting Your Equipment

One of the purposes of this blog is to answer as many of your questions as possible. Here’s a query we received recently from a Yukoner: how do I protect my computer equipment and appliances from damage as a result of a power outage?

We always encourage people to take steps to protect their equipment, since utilities are not liable for damaged equipment (not what you want to hear but it is the reality). There are a number of options you can consider.

If you want to protect all your electronics, as opposed to just one appliance or piece of equipment, a qualified electrician can install an in-line surge protector. It’s a device that snaps into the home’s electrical panel. It won’t prevent a power outage to the home but it should protect your equipment and appliances.

If you are concerned about a single piece of equipment (your computer for example), you can install a UPS system. There are several local stores that supply these systems. We suggest you speak with the store staff about the type of system that would be best for you. You can also consult the manufacturer of your equipment to determine what level of voltage protection you need.

When shopping for an electronic device, you should ask whether the equipment has a built-in backup system that prevents program disruption when power is lost briefly. You might also want to look for appliances with backup systems that will "remember" settings when power is interrupted.

Standby or portable generators can be used during a power outage. However it’s critical that a certified electrician properly interconnect the standby power system to your existing home wiring. Installing and maintaining a portable generator can cost several thousand dollars.

Have a question for us? Please send it along and we will try to answer it to the best of our ability.