This is inexpensive product protection (and peace of mind), which can replace your subscriber unit or ATA from lightning and other types of damage that are typically uninsurable.

Get Protected … Contact WisperTEL at 303-670-8400 and sign up today!

For details on our WisperTel Service Protection Plan, click here.

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Protect Your Computers and Networks, Too
While our Service Protection Plan covers you for damage to your subscriber unit, that protection does not extend past the WisperTel equipment. You are responsible for all damage to all Local Area Network (LAN) equipment, routers, switches, hubs, Analog Telephone Adapters, network interface cards, computers and lost data. Now is the perfect time to invest in a high quality Ethernet surge suppressor.

We strongly suggest that you visit a local computer store and purchase suitable power and Ethernet surge suppression, and install them directly after your WisperTEL connection.


About Surge Suppressors

How do you select the right surge suppressor for your needs?
Start by itemizing the equipment you want to protect and then look for a surge suppressor that can accommodate it. Make sure it has enough electrical outlets and room for transformer plugs, often called wall warts, and that it has connections for all other equipment, such as coaxial input/outputs for the antenna, cable or satellite, and a pair of telephone in/outs for pay-per-view.

If you are protecting a computer system, look for protection for both your networking ports (a pair of RJ-45 jacks for in and out.)

Whatever the size and complexity of your system, it is essential that ALL of your equipment is connected to the surge suppressor, or you will not be protected from surges and spikes. Power problems can enter your system through any wires or cables. Leaving your phone line unprotected, for example, is like leaving the back door of the house open. It's the same with your computer.

Will a surge suppressor protect your equipment during a brownout?
No. A surge suppressor protects against surges in power, not sags. If you want this additional protection, which is a good idea, you will have to step up to a more expensive line conditioner or a high-end surge suppressor which also has uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with automatic voltage regulation (AVR). AVR automatically raises the voltage into your equipment if it falls below a certain level and also automatically lowers it if it goes too high. Surge suppressors with UPS and AVR are considerably more expensive.

What is a joule rating?
It is the measurement that refers to how much energy the surge suppressor can channel away from your equipment. Generally a higher joule rating is better. If you are only going to connect a couple of not-so-sensitive devices, a lower rating of 200 to 300 is okay, but for a home theater system or computer, you will need more protection. Many surge suppressors offer ratings of well over 1000 joules.

What other key features should you look for in a surge suppressor?
A response time of one nanosecond or less is an important feature. It means that the surge suppressor reacts very quickly, almost instantaneously, to a power problem.

Also look for connected equipment warranties, UL 1449 rating, diagnostic lights and noise filtering (EMI/RFI) capabilities.

Switched and unswitched (always on) outlets are a convenience. When you turn the surge suppressor off, the components in the switched outlets will go off, but those in the unswitched outlets will stay on. This allows you to turn off several components using the surge suppressor switch while leaving others (such as a VCR with a clock) on all the time.

Some surge suppressors have circuitry that either protects or disconnects your equipment. In case of a big power surge that the suppressor can't handle, it will automatically shut your equipment off to protect it.

What is the UL 1449 rating?
If a surge suppressor is UL 1449 rated, it has been tested by Underwriters Laboratory, the independent product testing and certification organization that tests most electric products. The 1449 rating indicates that it has been tested for surge suppression. The standard was revised in 1998 to require thermal fusing to permanently kill the power if a surge condition generates a significant level of heat inside the strip. This means it won't catch on fire.

What special features do you need for a computer system?
You may want to use a surge suppressor that also offers a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). This provides a few minutes of back-up power to allow you to shut down in an orderly manner in case the power goes out. UPS systems are available in a variety of power levels, expressed in VA (voltage amperes).

To determine the appropriate UPS for your needs, figure out the total amount of power your equipment requires. Look at the back panels and labels and make a list of the watt, VA or amp power consumption ratings for each piece of equipment. Convert these to VA using one of these formulas: