We want you to get years of useful life out of your UMix Music Player. Like any other electronic device, it's affected by the conditions around it. Two simple habits will go a long way toward keeping it running and keeping the music playing:

• Keep it cool.
• Protect it from power surges.

Keep It Cool

Heat shortens the life of electronics.

• Place the player in a cool, dry spot with air moving around it.
• Never set it on top of your amplifier. Amplifiers run hot.
• Keep it away from other sources of heat, such as heaters, kitchen equipment and direct sunlight.
• Don't shut it inside a closed cabinet or closet without airflow.

Protect It from Power Surges

Power surges, from storms or from equipment switching on and off in your building, can damage electronics in an instant. Whatever the size of your business, published guidance from electrical engineers and surge-protection specialists recommends protecting it in layers.

Protect the whole building. A surge protector at your electrical panel guards everything your building powers. That's a conversation for your electrician. It's a little-known fact that since 2020, the National Electrical Code has required this protection whenever the electrical service for a home is installed or replaced. Most businesses aren't covered by that rule, so it's up to you to ask.

Protect your electronics. The devices in your back room, including your UMix Music Player, should be plugged directly into a surge protector of their own. A surge protector is also required to keep your player's warranty; see Policy for Replacement Players for the terms.

• Plug the player's power cable into the surge protector, not directly into the wall.
• Make sure it's a surge protector. A plain power strip adds outlets but offers no protection.
• Compare ratings before you buy. Surge protectors vary widely in how much protection they offer and in how they're tested and certified, and the right one depends on your location and equipment. In general, a higher joule rating means the protector can absorb more before it wears out. For a plain-language explanation of the ratings, see a guide such as How to Choose a Surge Protector from The Tools Trunk, then do your own research and evaluation before you buy.

Here's an example of a heavy-duty surge protector we've used. We're not endorsing a particular product.