As a freelancer or sole trader, you know just how devastating it can be when your electronic equipment is damaged. At best, it can cause a delay as you hunt for the store that gets you a replacement part before the end of the day. At worst, you could be looking at a lot of lost work and a huge bill. With the cost of everything from our energy bills to our shopping going through the roof, we simply cannot afford to be out of pocket because of damage to our equipment.Â
Of course, it is always so easy to say what you should have done after the accident has already taken place. Given that we know that the next few months are going to be stressful and overwhelming in so many different ways, the best thing that you can do is to make sure that you are taking the smart steps to protect your electronic equipment from damage before anything goes wrong. Here are a few of the most important tips that you need to know about.
Check Your Cords
Let’s start with the one that a lot of us do not think about until it is already too late. How often have you noticed a frayed or damaged power cord because your machine has stopped charging or felt a little spark when you go to unplug it? Our cords are subject to a lot of wear and tear over time, particularly if you are operating from a home office as so many of us still are, and use your machines for personal and professional purposes. We also know that running cables and cords under carpets and rugs can be tempting, and feeding them under tables and furniture can be tempting. This will mean that they may be getting more worn down than you realise. Check your cords and cables regularly for any signs of fraying or dirt. This will help to prevent any damage.
Don’t Overload Your Plugs
This is another important piece of advice for anyone running a home office. It also applies to anyone who is sharing their workspace with a partner or housemate. When space is at a premium, it can be easy to plug everything into an adapter and hope that it will handle the load. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common causes of problems with the electrical equipment in your home. If you have many different plugs all going into one wall socket, you need to check it for heat. If it is not cool when you touch it, then you have overloaded it, and you need to get this fixed as soon as possible. Remember that it is a fire hazard as well as something that could damage your equipment.
Make Sure That You Have The Right Insurance
Sometimes it does not matter how many steps we take to ensure that the worst doesn’t happen. We can’t possibly foresee every accident, after all. One of the surest ways to ensure that you are protected in case of electronic equipment damage is with the proper insurance. If you work from home, you may already have comprehensive coverage for your property and belongings. However, it is important to remember that you can get small business insurance that will cover you for the work and money you lose due to damage to your property. Sole traders and freelancers should look at insurance for their businesses for several different reasons. It can also protect you in case of legal action taken against you, and you can find out more about professional indemnity insurance for sole traders by visiting Suited. They offer business insurance for various professions, and you can tailor your coverage to suit your specific needs.
Make Sure That The Fans On Your Equipment Are Clear
Very few things can send your heart into your throat than your computer suddenly crashing in the middle of something important. This often happens because it has overheated, and once this starts, it can be a difficult path to turn back from. One of the best ways to avoid overheating is by ensuring that your computer’s fans are kept clean and clear. Avoid pushing your machine up against anything that will block the fan.
Unplug Your Machines When You Are Not Using Them
We know that our energy bills are going through the roof right now, and we are all looking for ways to keep them down. Unplugging any of your machines when you are not using them is a great way to reduce your energy usage, but it will also protect them. You will reduce the risk of them overheating or suffering from power surges if they are not plugged in at the wall. This will help keep you safe overnight.Â
