Providing power safely.
WHAT A POWER SUPPLY DOES
Converts mains power to the voltages components require.
WHAT DETERMINES WHAT IS NEEDED
Total component demand, with margin.
WHY MARGIN
Components draw more under load than at rest, and supplies degrade with age.
WHAT SYMPTOMS A FAILING SUPPLY PRODUCES
Random restarts Failure to start Instability under load Nothing at all
WHY IT IS FREQUENTLY MISDIAGNOSED
The symptoms resemble many other faults.
WHAT TO SUSPECT IT FOR
Unexplained restarts, particularly under load.
WHAT EXTERNAL FACTORS MATTER
Supply voltage stability Surges Interruptions
WHY THAT MATTERS PARTICULARLY HERE
Fluctuation is routine, and it damages equipment gradually rather than obviously.
WHAT TO USE
Surge protection at minimum A backup supply for anything important
WHAT A BACKUP SUPPLY PROVIDES
Time to save work and shut down properly, and protection from fluctuation.
WHAT TO CHECK
That its battery still holds charge, since they degrade silently.
