WiFi is a great advancement, but it still needs electricity

A look at WiFi connectivity and electrical wiring from San Luis Obispo’s Electricraft, Inc.

We’ve come a long way since the technical advances that first introduced the desktop computer and access to the Internet was over a dial-up phone line. So far, in fact that it’s a rare business that can survive without the advantages of computers, cell phones and the intelligent electronic devices that are fueled by the wireless technology we call WiFi. Not only businesses rely on WiFi, the list of wireless devices from computers, laptops, notepads, cell phones, printers electronic assistants, smart TVs and smart devices used for security and convenience grows longer every year. Home life, business, government, medical services, airports, transportation and just about everything else we rely on every day uses WiFi.

In this report Electricraft, Inc. takes a look at WiFi’s reliance on electricity and electrical wiring. The San Luis Obispo electrical wiring experts have some recommendations for keeping WiFi devices running a little longer when the power goes out. 

We have come to depend on these devices and the wireless technology they use to communicate with other devices and with the Internet. Kids login to school systems to do their homework. Doctor appointments can be schedule online, telemedicine has become a time and cost-savings application, banking is done online, bills are paid online, and social media and email have become top choices for communicating with coworkers, family and friends.

Wireless is a great advancement, but doesn’t mean we are leaving electricity behind. The WiFi devices we rely on still need electricity. The routers that connect devices to one another and to the Internet still need to be plugged in an electrical circuit, as do the computers, televisions, and everything else. Even though so many of the mobile devices we use such as laptops, notebooks and cell phones are powered by batteries, those batteries still need a source of electricity to recharge.

Cell towers, even those in remote areas, rely on electricity. Even though remote towers get electricity from solar systems or solar-powered generators, it’s still electricity. When a tower loses an electrical connection, it can’t operate.

There’s not much to be done about preventing some of the circumstances that cause the loss of power, such as regional storms or an earthquake. But, reports the San Luis Obispo electrical wiring experts, there are steps that can be taken to protect valuable electronics from damage due to power outages and surges, and to help keep critical devices running a little longer, especially for emergencies.

  • Make sure the home or business is adequately wired to support all of the electronic devices in use. Reliance on extension cords and surge protectors to power all of the devices at home or work might mean there are not enough correctly wired outlets. An inspection by the licensed electricians from San Luis Obispo’s Electricraft can make sure electrical wiring supports the need.
  • Consider installing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS is a battery backup system that can provide power to your WiFi devices during a power outage. It will give you some time to properly shut down the devices or wait until the power is restored. Different businesses and industries need different levels of support in the event of a power outage and there is a UPS system available for the needs of critical services such as medical and emergency response centers. Data centers rely on UPS to preserve important data and expensive equipment and just about every other type of business and industry benefits from an installed UPS.
  • Use surge protectors that are appropriate for the device to protect devices from power spikes or surges that can occur during power outages. It is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your devices.
  • Installing a backup generator is another way to keep essential WiFi devices up and running during a power outage.
  • Keep device batteries charged and replaced as necessary so they can continue to operate during a power outage.

Being as prepared as possible for an emergency is the best plan for getting through an extended power outage. Along with having emergency plans for staying safe, a continuity plan is essential for businesses and many home needs.

The San Luis Obispo electrical wiring team has the training, certifications and licenses for every aspect of electrical wiring, including installing, troubleshooting and maintaining:

  • Switches, sockets and light fittings, conduits, cabling and wiring.
  • Distribution boards.
  • Testing voltage and electric current capacity using state-of-the-art detection and voltage measurement equipment including infrared cameras.
  • Installing circuit protection, control and distribution devices within the electrical wiring system.
  • Rewire and upgrade electrical systems for electrical signage, more office space, office equipment, or manufacturing equipment. Electricraft has installed commercial electrical systems to operate registers, computers, tools and appliances, equipment and data centers.
  • Installing Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) to meet the emergency power needs for a variety of business, industrial, medical and public works applications.
  • Design, install and maintain electrical systems indoors and outdoors for homes, rentals, commercial buildings, including stores, offices, manufacturing and industrial buildings, medical offices, clinics and hospitals, commercial and apartment complexes, schools and public infrastructure projects.

The focus at Electricraft, Inc. is to provide superior quality service, repair and construction insuring complete satisfaction to our customers for the long term. Through continued education, hands-on experience and staying in tune with ever-changing electrical technologies we will continue to excel in the electrical energy industry.

If you have questions about your business or home’s electrical wiring being sufficient to support WiFi and critical equipment during a power outage, call Electricraft, Inc. today!