Static Electricity is Not Your Friend

We cannot stress enough that power surges, voltage spikes and electrostatic discharges are harmful to your electronic equipment.
The electronic / computerized units commonly used today are more efficient and more reliable than in years past. However they are more sensitive to electrical fluctuations as well.
According to susceptibility data, most integrated circuits are susceptible to ESD levels of 2000V or less. Your fingers cannot feel 3,000V but your computer based systems can. Though systems are shielded, even well shielded systems can be damaged by high voltage electricity. Walking across a carpet on a dry cold winter day can build up a charge grater than 30,000V.
Nylon Clothes can produce 21,000V. Wool and Cotton clothing can produce 9,000V and 7,000V respectively.

AVOID STATIC ELECTRICITY

Keep Humidity as high as reasonable
Discharge yourself before handling sensitive components
Spray a solution of fabric softener and water on carpets in traffic areas.
Wipe a fabric softener sheet on surfaces near your telephony and computer equipment. (Avoid using on tiled floor surfaces, as they can become quite slippery)
POWER SURGES, OUTAGES CAN CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE
Problems with Voicemail systems may actually be masking primary problems associated with power damaged KSUs from past electrical surges. Even if there is no visible damage Power Surges and spikes may weaken delicate computer / telephony components that may appear later as irreparable damage.
Using filters and battery backup / surge protection in front of your electronic telecommunication units can eliminate costly problems caused by brown outs and power surges.
Lightening Protection may also be an option in protection fro your company’s equipment. Dependable gas tube protectors, from Porta-Systems, guard sensitive equipment from dangerous voltage surges.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BATTERY BACKUP UNITS

Battery Backup Units (BBU) / UPS (Universal Power Supply) with surge protection typically suggested for use with a computer station may not be sufficient to provide adequate protection or power supply timing to your PBX/KSU/DSU. The following units, which meet telephony Manufacturer’s recommendations provide good surge protection and BBU time to safely shut down systems until power is restored.

MINUTEMAN UPS - MM1000PRO or the MBK520 for computer/VM Stations
APC SMART-UPS - SU700XL or SU1000XL
MGE –EVOLUTION 1100 or 1500 UPS
TRIPPLITE UPS - SmartOnLine System
CYBERPOWER – C910-1036P

For further info see these manufacturer’s websites. apc.com, tripplite.com, minuteman-ups.com and www.mgeups.com

FURTHER READING ON STATIC ELECTRICITY

Measuring Static electricity on your body

A Health and Safety Guide for your Workplace

If you discharge static electricity on a computer circuit board, the spark-can severely damage the circuitry. The sudden surge of electrons can easily fry microchips in the computer.

Also Remember to keep all magnets away from sensitive electronic telephone components and computer equipment.