Dell Precision WorkStation 210 User Manual

Also see for Precision WorkStation 210: Quick reference guide User guide

Contents

Maintaining the System D-96XUJH3URWHFWRUVSurge protectors are available in a variety of types and usually provide a level of pro-tection commensurate with the cost of the device. Surge protectors prevent voltagespikes, such as those caused during an electrical storm, from entering a systemthrough the electrical outlet. Surge protectors, however, do not offer protectionagainst brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent belowthe normal AC line voltage level./LQH&RQGLWLRQHUVLine conditioners go beyond the overvoltage protection of surge protectors. Line con-ditioners keep a system’s AC power source voltage at a fairly constant level and,therefore, can handle brownouts. Because of this added protection, line conditionerscost more than surge protectors—up to several hundred dollars. However, thesedevices cannot protect against a complete loss of power.8QLQWHUUXSWLEOH3RZHU6XSSOLHVUninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems offer the most complete protectionagainst variations in power because they use battery power to keep the system run-ning when AC power is lost. The battery is charged by the AC power while it isavailable, so once AC power is lost, the battery can provide power to the system for alimited amount of time—from 15 minutes to an hour or so—depending on the UPSsystem.UPS systems range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars,with the more expensive units allowing you to run larger systems for a longer periodof time when AC power is lost. UPS systems that provide only 5 minutes of batterypower let you conduct an orderly shutdown of the system, but are not intended toprovide continued operation. Surge protectors should be used with all UPS systems,and the UPS system should be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety-approved.