Prepare now for the summer storms

Q: Rainy season is coming. What can I do to protect my computers and other electronics from the storms?

The best thing you can do for your electronics is to make sure they’re plugged into an uninterruptible power source (UPS). A UPS differs from a surge suppressor in that it has its own battery on board, so it not only protects from power spikes, but from power drops – which are just as potentially damaging to your electronic equipment – as well. You can purchase reliable brands of UPS’s from many of the larger stores in town, but I favor the TrippLite model available from Sam’s Club. Not only is it a high-quality UPS, but it also has a button that lets you shut off the alarm so you don’t have to listen to incessant beeping when the power is out for extended periods.

When a lightning storm is approaching, you should unplug your electronics and move the plug as far away from the outlet at the cord will allow. I’ve seen lightning strikes jump from the outlet to a nearby plug and fry the electronic equipment even though it was unplugged.

Remember that the relative humidity increases significantly during a rain storm, so try to keep your desktop computer shut down for as brief a period as possible when you have to unplug it. This will limit the time your computer has to cool down and for condensation to form on the internal components. If you have a UPS, you can unplug the UPS from the wall, but leave your computer up and running, at least as long as the battery lasts.

At $1,000 to $2,000 pesos, a quality UPS can be a spendy addition to your electronic armament, but it’s a small price to pay compared to the replacement cost of your computer or flat screen TV. Plus, it gives you the peace of mind of better protection if a freak storm hits when you’re not at home.

Charles Swarts has worked in the IT industry for 15 years and holds numerous Microsoft and other industry certifications. He offers on-site computer repair in Mazatlán. Info: 669-176-3564, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.mazpc.com.