Tuesday June 8, 2:03 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: American Power Conversion
Pre-summer Heatwave Takes Toll on Utility Supply - Reliable
Power Protection Helps Keep Computers Up and Running
WEST KINGSTON, R.I., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Officials at American Power Conversion (APC) said that the recent unexpected record
electricity usage driven by scorching heat in the eastern part of the country could result in unreliable power quality, potentially damaging
sensitive electronics, like computer equipment. Several utility companies throughout the country are predicting that the record demand for
power will continue throughout the summer.
PC users often are unaware of the perils of power interruptions which can cause significant damage to computer hardware, software, phone
lines, as well as everyday household appliances. Contingency Planning cites power failures and surges as the cause of over 45% of computer
data loss and a Bell Labs study found that 87% of power problems are sags, also known as brownouts. Sags are typically the electric utilities
means of coping with extraordinary power demands, such as air conditioners, which can be quite frequent during the summer months.
''When you consider that PC usage both in the home and office is at an all- time high, this summer season could be one of the most costly
in terms of damaged to computer hardware and accessories, not to mention lost business productivity'' said Aaron Davis, vice president of
APC's Small Systems Group. ''Power interruptions are more than just an inconvenience. They result in damaged sensitive electronics as
well as lost computer data and a reduction in business productivity, including business-critical Internet activity such as on-line trading and
e-commerce.''
The purchase of reliable power can safeguard home and business equipment and data and save thousands of dollars in downtime or damage.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) offers battery backup to protect equipment from hardware damage and data loss by, not only
filtering out bad power, but also providing the computer with enough time for a safe shutdown of workstations and other sensitive
electronic equipment. Another power protection solution is a surge protector which filters out dangerous power, such as lightning strikes,
that could destroy valuable electronics. APC recommends using the following check-list of recommended features to consider when
purchasing power protection:
Equipment protection - The power protection vendor should guarantee to repair or replace equipment, up to a certain monetary
value, if the equipment is damaged when properly plugged into a surge protector or UPS.
Safety and agency approvals - Look for products that have been tested and rated by UL1449 for both surge protectors and UPSs.
Also, look for products that have been tested in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Both UL ratings
and ANSI standards ensure the product has met industry and safety requisites for power protection.
Industry awards/user references - Awards from independent industry sources are a good indication of a quality product that's been
field-tested.
For more information about APC's comprehensive selection of power protection solutions call 800-800-877-4080 or visit APC's Web site
at www.apcc.com.
About American Power Conversion
Founded in 1981, American Power Conversion (Nasdaq: APCC - news) is a worldwide leader in the designing, manufacturing, and
marketing of power protection and management solutions for Nonstop Networking(TM). APC's comprehensive range of products include
surge suppressors, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power conditioning equipment, and related software for computer and computer-
related equipment. APC, which is headquartered in West Kingston, Rhode Island, reported sales of $1.126 billion for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
All trademarks are the property of their owners. Additional information about APC and its global end-to-end solutions can be found by
accessing the APC World Wide Web site at www.apcc.com or by calling 800-877-4080.
For more information contact:
Media:
Jodi Kennedy, director of media relations worldwide,
800-788-2208, ext. 2158, jkennedy@apcc.com
Jennifer Seymour, media relations manager, 800-788-2208, ext. 2290, jseymour@apcc.com
Investors:
Debbie Grey, APC investor relations manager, 800-788-2208 ext. 2142, dgrey@apcc.com
SOURCE: American Power Conversion |
