When a power outage occurs, the disruption in electricity can be a huge inconvenience and even cause damage to your electronics. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect electronic devices. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely power down electronics during an outage to avoid long-term damage and data loss.
For Computers and Servers
- Always remember to continuously save your work, especially during a storm or other times when you suspect that an outage may be imminent.
- Next, activate safe shutdown and use a UPS - or an uninterruptible power supply - if one is available. A UPS acts as an interface between the network and servers and will protect against power spikes and surges and also have battery backup for outages.
- Lastly, remember to manually power off computers and servers if necessary, and always disconnect non-essential devices.
For Gaming Systems
- In the event of a power outage, save game progress and any important data first.
- After accessing the menu, power off the console and shut down the system.
- Finally, after the system is fully powered off, unplug the console and remember to also unplug any external hard drives, controllers, and headsets.
For Smart Devices
- Always disconnect from the power source first. Although many smart devices automatically shut down during power outages, unplugging them provides extra protection against the power surges that can occur when the outage is over.
- Remember to use surge protectors for smart devices.
- Once the power is restored, reset all smart devices.
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