Are You at Risk?

According to a study by IBM, more than 120 disturbances hit a typical computer in a normal month! Some have imperceptible effects; others cause data loss and expensive repairs. Take this easy quiz to see if you are at average, above average or high risk.

Experience in your own home or business is your best indicator of whether a particular site is more at risk than others.

Overload or poor wiring is a major cause of power problems. Wiring systems in many older homes and buildings were not designed to handle the demands of today's electronic equipment.

Underground power distribution suffers fewer problems than pole-linked sources, which are subject to the hazards of tree branches, auto accidents and curious animals.

Studies have shown that as much as 80% of power problems can be tied to the local work environment. The innocent-looking laser printer may be responsible for data loss on your computer. An older refrigerator on the other side of the wall may cause lock-ups every time it cycles on and off.

The same lightning and surge events that cause damaging utility line transients can also cause power problems to reach your equipment through the "back door" on telephone/modem connections.

Multi-tasking operating systems depend on cache memory. This approach, while faster, is more volatile.

Rural sites are notorious for bad power. As common sense dictates, the farther power travels, the greater the chance of a disturbance along the way.

Lightning is perhaps the most dramatic reminder of the susceptibility of computers to damage and data loss. Lightning and surges go hand-in-hand with brownouts and blackouts.

To order the best protection possible contact KCP&L at (816)472-0432 or visit the Meter-Based Surge Protection page for details.