[ The PC Guide | Systems and
Components Reference Guide | Power | External
Power ]
Comparison of Power Protection Methods
The table below compares the different power protection options, showing the
approximate amount of protection each offers against common power problems. The protection
levels shown are typical, but depend very much on the individual device.
 Note: The ratings for all
UPS types assume that the unit incorporates surge suppression and filtering capabilities,
since most quality ones do. If the UPS does not, then the protection level for surges and
lightning strikes will drop to pretty much the same levels for those problem types as
listed under "No Protection".
Protection Type |
Line
Noise |
Surges |
Lightning
Strikes |
Brown-
outs |
Black-
outs |
Cost |
Passive Protection |
No
Protection |
Low to High |
Low |
Very Low |
None |
None |
None |
Surge
Suppressor |
Med to High |
High |
Low |
None |
None |
Very Low |
Line
Conditioner |
Almost Perfect |
Very High |
Med |
Med |
None |
Med to High |
Backup Power (UPS) |
Standby
UPS |
Med to High |
High |
Med |
Almost Perfect |
High |
Med to High |
Ferroresonant
Standby UPS |
Almost Perfect |
Very High |
Med to High |
Almost Perfect |
Very High |
High to Very High |
Line-
Interactive UPS |
Almost Perfect |
Very High |
Med to High |
Almost Perfect |
Very High |
Med to High |
Online
UPS |
Almost Perfect |
Almost Perfect |
High |
Perfect |
Almost Perfect |
Very High |
 Next: The
Power Supply
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