Computers and communication

The information below describes the steps you can take, both at home and at work, to minimise the disruption from power interruptions to computers, telephone systems and other sensitive equipment. 

Computers and Sensitive Equipment

It is possible that our work to restore your supply during an interruption may cause momentary voltage fluctuations.  Unfortunately, these problems are beyond our control.  Therefore we are not responsible or liable for your equipment if it develops a fault as a result.

Although all electrical and electronic equipment manufactured since 1996 should be designed to cope with such fluctuations, some computers, satellite decoders, videos and alarm systems may suffer problems.  You may wish to consult your local electrical appliance supplier about installing protective devices on such equipment.

We would therefore advise you to take the following necessary steps as a precaution:

• Save work on your computer regularly. Some software has an auto-save facility, so check to see if this is available on your system.
• Consider investing in an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) device. If your electricity supply is interrupted, the UPS will take over, giving you enough time to save your work and close down the computer safely. Certain UPS devices can supply power for a longer period of time, allowing you to continue working during a power cut.
• If you suffer a power cut, it's a good idea to switch off all sensitive equipment such as computers, videos, televisions and satellite equipment.  Then wait until the supply is restored before switching the equipment back on.

If you have any further concerns over your equipment you should consult the manufacturer or your equipment supplier.

Telephone and Fax Systems

Many telephones use "line" current and should still operate during a power cut. We recommend that all customers have at least one telephone of this type.

If your telephone has a mains plug, check to see if it has back-up batteries. Without them the phone probably won't work if your electricity is switched off.

Telephone switchboards vary so much that it's difficult to provide specific advice. Some will shut down if the electricity goes off;  others will automatically divert calls to one or two lines. Check with your telephone system supplier for more detailed information.

Fax and answer machines are mains-operated and won't work during a power cut.  If you use ISDN or other computer-based communication equipment, don't start sending data before the start of a planned power cut.