As we head out of summer and into the fall and winter months, power outages become more common. Storms, wind and heavy weather can cause surges that damage sensitive devices like routers and modems. When that happens, it means downtime for you and replacement cords or equipment from us.
The good news? With a few simple steps, you can protect your gear and keep enjoying the full benefits of your new upgraded network through any season.
Why Power Surges Are a Problem
When the power suddenly cuts off and comes back on, the surge of electricity can damage sensitive equipment like routers, modems, and even your TV or computer. When cords or devices burn out, it’s more than just inconvenient—it could leave you waiting for replacements before you’re back online.
How to Protect Your Equipment
- Use Surge Protectors: Plug your router, modem and other electronics into a surge protector instead of directly into the wall. Look for one with a good joule rating (the higher, the better) and a warranty for connected devices.
- Consider a Whole-Home Surge Protector: If outages are frequent, ask your electrician about installing one at your electrical panel for complete coverage.
- Unplug During Major Storms: If you know a storm is coming, unplug your sensitive devices to be extra safe.
Stay Online with Backup Power
Even if your equipment is safe, no power means no Wi-Fi unless you are prepared. A small backup battery (called an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS) can keep your router and modem running for a few hours. That means you can stay connected to the internet on your phone or laptop, even while the lights are out.
For families working or learning from home, or anyone relying on connected devices, this can be a lifesaver. Some battery backups also include surge protection, giving you two layers of defense.
What We Recommend
- Basic Surge Protector: Affordable, easy to find, and the first step everyone should take. Plug your router, modem and other electronics into a surge protector, not directly into the wall. Look for one with a strong joule rating and a warranty for connected devices.
- UPS Battery Backup: Great for keeping internet service up during short outages. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) not only protects against surges but can also keep your router and modem running during an outage. This means your HFN connection stays live for a few hours, even if the power goes out. This is perfect for keeping phones, laptops or smart home devices online.
- Whole-Home Surge Protection: Best for long-term peace of mind if outages are common. Ask your electrician about installing a whole-home surge protector at your electrical panel. It is the most reliable way to guard every device in your home.
Why This Matters Now
As we roll out the upgraded HFN fiber network across Issaquah Highlands, we want every household to experience faster speeds and improved reliability right away. Power surges and outages are preventable interruptions. With the right setup, you will not lose a moment of your new ultrafast service.
Protect your HFN equipment now to keep your connection strong. A simple surge protector or battery backup can save you from downtime, replacements and the frustration of being offline, especially as your upgraded network comes online.
Jeremy Fallt is the HFN general manager and a Westridge resident.
As published in the fall 2025 issue of Community Connect magazine >>>
