Comparison of Power Protection Methods

[ The PC Guide | Systems and Components Reference Guide | Power | External Power ]

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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