Can I use the same equipment for all phones?

Different phone lines have different voltages.  You should determine the proper voltage to determine the best device...because you want to install the lowest clamping voltage equipment possible.  Install equipment with too low a clamping voltage...and the unit will fail prematurely.  Install equipment with too high a clamping voltage and the unit will not provide the best protection possible.  Stedi-Power Distributors are trained in determining the correct requirements for all installations.

How do I determine which unit to use on my line?

The Nat ional Electrical Code can help in a way.  It defines the requirements for the standards each unit must meet dependent upon it's installation location.  Then, you need to determine the proper device needed for each phone, data, and communication line you have.  Some of this information may be available on your equipment, but in many cases you may need to contact your telephone company or network equipment provider for information.  Stedi-Power dealers are trained to make these determinations and, most important...how to know when they "don't know".  Technical support is available from Stedi-Power, Inc. to assist them...or direct them to where they can find the information.

Are there similarities between the standards for phone & data-line suppression and AC mains suppression?

There are similarities.  The National Electrical Code sets requirements that equipment meet different standards depending upon where and how the unit is used.  A similar situation exists between the use of transient voltage surge arresters...and transient voltage surge suppressors.

Why install surge suppression equipment on internal computer data lines that aren't connected to the outside phone lines...or even to my phone subscriber equipment?

Lightning and power failures can create conditions where voltages are "inducted" onto data lines.  Physical connections are not required...just proximity...and the right conditions.  A complete protection system would cover every single data port in the facility at some point....even if it is not connected to the main system.

 

What is the difference between a PBX and a key system (KSU)?

 You have five basic choices:

• Wired or wireless intercom system: (also known as a KSU-less system) : this type of system works well for home offices and very small offices (up to 4 lines and about 12 users). You can buy these in superstores and through catalog retailers such as Hello Direct. These are generally inexpensive systems, and have a modest set of features.
• KSU (Key system): the next step up from an intercom system is a key system. In a key system, the phones are wired to a central processing unit that controls the phones and provides enhanced services such as voice mail, auto-attendant, etc. Key systems can be expanded to handle a fairly large number of users (up to 100 users in some cases). They are generally sold and installed by manufacturer authorized dealers.
• PBX (Private Branch eXchange): a PBX is like a miniature version of a telephone company central office. They are generally used in larger offices with dozens or hundreds of users.
• Network based phone system: in recent years vendors such as Cisco, 3Com and others have developed network based phone systems in which the telephone handsets connect directly to a company's internal data network (typically via Ethernet). This is an attractive option for companies that provide network access at each desktop.
• PC based phone system: another option for companies that are adept at managing computers is a PC based phone system. These systems combine a wide variety of services (basic telephony, voice mail, unified messaging, computer telephony, etc). These systems can be cantankerous at times, but for small offices they offer a very wide range of features for a reasonable price compared to conventional phone systems.

Stedi-Power, Inc
5044 B U Bowman Drive #102
Buford, Georgia 30518
PHONE: (678) 546-6780

Last Updated: 07 Jun 2004
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