Gateway GT5012 8510943 - Gateway Computer User Guide (6-Bay Micro uBTX Case) - Page 28

Protecting from power source problems, Checking the voltage selection

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Chapter 3: Getting Started Protecting from power source problems During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer. Warning High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally. Checking the voltage selection A power supply is integrated into your computer to provide power to the system board, add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The voltage selection for your location is typically set at the factory. Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the power supply to 115V or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for your environment, check the voltage selection switch. Caution If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved to 230. 22 www.gateway.com

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22
www.gateway.com
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can
increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your
computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a
surge protector
, which absorbs
voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer.
An
uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a
power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time
with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut
down your computer normally.
Checking the voltage selection
A power supply is integrated into your computer to provide power to the system board,
add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The voltage selection for your location is typically
set at the factory. Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the
power supply to 115V or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for your
environment, check the voltage selection switch.
Warning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord
and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge
protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that
has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector
that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug
both the surge protector and the modem.
Caution
If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be
damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location
before turning on your computer.
In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115
volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when
your computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the
world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at
50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as this,
the voltage switch should be moved to 230.