Central Texas College equips its desktop computers with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A UPS is a power supply system that maintains power to a desktop computer in the event of a power outage. UPS’s contain a rechargeable battery that monitors the flow of electricity through the UPS to the computer. When a drop in power is detected, the UPS switches to the battery. Depending on the type of UPS installed, a desktop computer will stay operational from one to five minutes allowing the user to save the data in RAM and shut down the computer. UPS’s are not meant to keep your computer running while the electricity is off.
The IT Division recommends that users do not plug power strips or surge protectors into a UPS as it will cause an overload and damage the UPS. A UPS has two rows of outlets along its face. One side of the UPS has outlets that are connected to a battery which is for computers so they can be shut down properly in the event of a power outage. The other side has outlets that provide surge protection for devices that don’t constantly draw a large amount of power. Heaters, printers, and other large power devices should be plugged into a dedicated surge protector plugged directly into a wall outlet. Under no circumstance should more than one large power device be plugged into a UPS.
Send mail to help.desk@ctcd.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2006 Central Texas College Information Technology Division
Telephone (254)501-3103
FAX (254)526-1950
P.O. Box 1800, Killeen, TX 76540-1800