Seasons are changing, bringing an unstable atmosphere and increased risk of electrical damage, particularly from power surges. These surges are often caused by electrical overloads, faulty wiring, lightning strikes, or power restoration after an outage. Such events can severely damage electronics, leading to battery fires that may take days or weeks to extinguish fully. With large amounts of data stored in digital centers, preventing damage to IT assets is critical for data safety. In addition to surge protection, a comprehensive IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) strategy is essential to managing and safely disposing of damaged or retired equipment, ensuring environmental responsibility and data security.
Many electronics today contain Lithium-Ion batteries, which can cause fires when the batteries overheat and are damaged. Such damage can occur during a power surge after a storm, causing a thermal runaway and potentially destroying homes, offices, and large amounts of data, depending on where the surge occurs. However, there are several ways to prevent power surges and protect IT assets during a stormy season, as well as tips on avoiding asset damage should a surge occur.
When power surges damage IT equipment, the first step is to ensure safety by unplugging affected devices and preventing further damage. However, the next step should be an evaluation of the equipment to determine if it can be repaired or needs to be securely disposed of. Partnering with a certified ITAD provider ensures this process is done efficiently and sustainably. ITAD services handle asset disposal and repair and remarket equipment, maximizing the value of damaged assets while keeping data secure.
Faulty wiring can cause electrical damage if poorly managed. This can be prevented by having an electrician inspect the home or office wiring for issues, especially in older buildings.
The easiest method of device protection during power surges is to unplug devices. It is safest to unplug electronic devices during storms at home or in the office to prevent them from being affected if lightning strikes. Surge protectors are another standard method of protection against power surges. Using surge protectors like power strips and surge protector outlets helps block excess voltage from reaching electronics during a power surge. A more expensive method of electrical protection is to install a whole-home surge processor, which is installed at the primary breaker box between an electrical system and the grid. The surge processor is a power strip for a building’s electrical system. Using high-efficiency, energy-efficient AC units that draw less power is also less likely to cause a power surge. This reduces the risk of voltage spikes and can save consumers money on energy bills.
It is always best to have fire extinguishers on hand in case of a fire and a disposition plan for any IT assets that may be damaged during a surge. Partnering with an ITAD provider like HOBI eliminates the hassle of disposing of old, retired, or damaged IT assets and provides an environmentally friendly alternative to landfills and incineration.
ITAD facilities ensure IT assets are responsibly disposed of via electronics recycling, no matter the damage. HOBI provides repair and remarketing solutions for devices that can still be used, maximizing asset value. HOBI is an R2v3, RIOS, and ISO-14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of experience in the industry.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.