Surge Protection - Explained (2)
Surge Suppressors - A Word of Caution

Designed properly, surge suppressors can work over-and-over again, but...

A Word of Caution

Unfortunately, many think that once they plug a surge suppression device across the line, all their equipment is totally secure. This is not the case.

This article discusses a number of important issues one should be aware of when working with surge protection devices.

Surge suppression  ...don't take it for granted!

Beware of cheaply made power line conditioners and other protection gear.

Some surge suppressor components used in these devices are typically a one-time use only. This means that your system may end up completely unprotected after a surge. 

Quality:

The quality of a surge suppressor is reflected in the price of the protection device, but not only.

Check the joule rating of the surge protector to get an indication of how much damaging energy the suppressor can handle. The bigger the joule rating is, the better. Try to go for at least a 1,000-joule rated device – preferably more.

Keep in mind however that unlike the UL-1449 Listing, there is no standardized testing methodology to determine the energy rating of a surge suppressor. Hence, do not rely on the joule rating alone – look also at the built-up quality and in particular, at the product warranty on offer.

Warranty:

In addition to the standard product warranty, some manufactures also offer a ‘Connected Equipment Product Warrant’. This is normally in the region of several tens of thousands of dollars.

Connected equipment warranty means that the manufacturer will replace up to the value of the warranty - worth of your equipment - if it is damaged by an over-voltage condition. This applies as long as the protection device is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and within the terms of the warranty period.

A longer product warranty period and a higher connected equipment warranty value reflect a higher level of confidence on part of the manufacturer that the surge suppressor can protect your expensive home theater gear.

Try to go for surge suppressor devices that come with at least a 5-year product warranty period in addition to a minimum of $10,000 (preferably $25,000), connected equipment warranty.

Performance:

Remember that the performance of surge suppressors degrades with each surge absorbed. The problem here is that the rate of degradation is totally unforeseen due to the unpredictable nature of the surge. Surge rise time, peak voltage, energy level, and duration, all have a varying effect on surge protection circuitry.

In some cases, a surge may have a higher energy level than the suppressor can handle, leading to the destruction of the suppressor and zero protection against possible future surges.

To minimize this risk, top-quality power protection gear would normally make use of over-rated components in their protection circuitry - thus allowing multiple surges to take place without any damage to the equipment. 

Lightning Protection:

Surge protectors are not lightning protection devices. Surge suppressors can provide adequate protection from 'normal' surges on AC power lines. When it comes to protection against lightning strikes, it is a completely different story. Fortunately, they are rare. However, no surge protection device can offer you the required level of protection in this respect.

The unpredictable nature of a lightning strike – together with the extremely high energy level released in the process - is such that no commercially available system will offer 100% protection from a direct lightning strike on your home. 

Preferably, whenever possible - try to disconnect all your gear from the AC supply during a thunderstorm. Disconnect also any telephone line and cable/satellite/outdoor TV antenna inputs – thus isolating your equipment from the outside world.

However, there is even more that one can do. In areas where lightning strikes are common, homeowners may want to invest in an old-fashioned grounded lightning rod on their roof. This offers the best protection you can get.

Personal safety:

Ensure that your surge suppressor is clearly specified as UL listed Transient Voltage Suppressor (2^nd edition). As already indicated in our discussion on surge protection device ratings, the use of a UL listed TVSS will reduce the risk of personal harm from fire or electrocution especially during a surge.

At the same time, keep in mind that a UL-listed device does not guarantee that it will protect your equipment.

Power line protection strips, surge suppressors,  UPS, and home theater line conditioning equipment at affordable prices.

We have put together a vast selection of power protection gear from major suppliers at our online Home Theater Store.

Products range from small inexpensive power protection strips, reasonably priced UPS, and complete home theater power centers for improved system performance.

The links below will take you straight to the respective product pages:

• Electronics: Power-Line Protection

• Electronics:  Uninterruptible Power Supplies

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Last updated on  21st February 2005

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