surge-protectors.txt c2016-2020 David R Woodsmall 7/31/2020 @ 9:21 PM As usual, Wikipedia has some excellent information about surge protectors: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surge_protector <<< READ THIS ARTICLE https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surge_arrester https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_arrester Generally speaking, the faster the response time (the faster the surge protector reacts to a power surge) the shorter the life span of the device used for dissipating the surge. Generally speaking, the more slowly the protector reacts, the longer it's life span. "Clamping voltage - Also known as the let-through voltage, this specifies what spike voltage will cause the protective components inside a surge protector to divert unwanted energy from the protected line.[3] A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection, but can sometimes result in a shorter life expectancy for the overall protective system. The lowest three levels of protection defined in the UL rating are 330 V, 400 V and 500 V. The standard let-through voltage for 120 V AC devices is 330 volts." - from Wikipedia Joules rating - "This number defines how much energy an MOV-based surge protector can theoretically absorb in a single event, without failure. Counter-intuitively, a lower number may indicate longer life expectancy if the device can divert more energy elsewhere and thus absorb less energy." - from Wikipedia PERSONALLY, THE HIGHER THE JOULES THE BETTER THE PROTECTION. Response time - "Surge protectors don't operate instantaneously; a slight delay exists. The longer the response time, the longer the connected equipment will be exposed to the surge. However, surges don't happen instantly either. Surges usually take around a few microseconds to reach their peak voltage, and a surge protector with a nanosecond response time would kick in fast enough to suppress the most damaging portion of the spike." - from Wikipedia Evaluate surge protectors by comparing their performance ratings, measured in VPR, SVR and joules of response time. UL 1449 Voltage Protection Rating (VPR) is a measure of the surge protector’s “let-through” voltage, which is the maximum voltage a surge protector will let through to connected devices. The lower the VPR number, the better the protection. UL 1449 Suppressed Voltage Rating (SVR) is an earlier measure of let-through voltage based on a test using a 500-amp current. You may see this rating on some surge protectors, instead of the newer VPR rating. A lower SVR number usually indicates better protection. The lowest possible SVR rating is 330-volts. Joule rating is the total amount of energy a surge protector is capable of absorbing over time. A higher joule rating may indicate a longer product lifespan. Look for a joule rating above 600. Response time measures how quickly the surge protector reacts to a surge, measured in nanoseconds. The faster the response time, the better the protection. One nanosecond or less is ideal. Clamping voltage indicates the voltage level at which the surge protector will attenuate the surge. A lower clamping voltage is preferred, and the best surge protectors do not exceed 400 volts. 3-line protection offers protection of the hot, neutral and ground lines in an electrical circuit. Because surges can occur on any line, 3-line-or all-mode protection is necessary for full protection. Primary components - Systems used to reduce or limit high voltage surges Line conditioners are systems that continually adjust the electrical current coming from an outlet to smooth out relatively minor irregular fluctuations in addition to actual surges. Cord fire protection automatically cuts power when a sensor detects damage to the wire insulation. Metal cases provide an option that can better withstand damage and heat that alternatives. For house-hold use, there are 3 types of devices typically used to suppress surges: 1) MOV - Metal oxide varistor - the cheapest, fairly fast, dies a little (or completely) for each surge it absorbs. 2) TVS - "A TVS diode is a type of Zener diode, also called an AVALANCHE DIODE or SILICON avalanche diode (SAD), which can limit voltage spikes. These components provide the fastest limiting action of protective components (theoretically in picoseconds), but have a relatively low energy absorbing capability." - from Wikipedia 3) GDT - Gas discharge tube. "GDTs can conduct more current for their size than other components. Like MOVs, GDTs have a finite life expectancy, and can handle a few very large transients or a greater number of smaller transients." - from Wikipedia ETHERNET SURGE PROTECTORS - FEATURES IT SHOULD IDEALLY HAVE: A) Gigabit speed rated B) Ethernet Surge Protector - Outdoor- for Gigabit and PoE/High PoE+ (HPoE) Ethernet Network C) Gigabit 10/100 and 1000 Mbps data rate Lighting Surge Arrester/Suppressor D) High PoE+ Input up to 60V 1.5A HPoE E) All 4 pairs should be protected UNLESS you use/intend to use PoE (Power over Ethernet), I would primarily just look for: 1) Gigabit speed rated For the Record, I use both a Whole House Surge Protector and smaller protectors, usually built into my UPSes. http://www.woodsmall.com/DIGITAL.htm#HOUSESURGE http://www.woodsmall.com/DIGITAL.htm#SURGE NOTE: ALWAYS USE CAT 6 Quad shielded Ethernet cable for new stuff. As network speeds increase, you will need a very good cable. Use it even if your current network is slow - someday you will update. RESOURCES/REFERENCES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surge_protector https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surge_arrester https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_arrester https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyristor http://www.cnet.com/news/9-things-you-should-know-about-surge-protectors/ https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_429706962_1?ie=UTF8&node=10529927011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=product-alert&pf_rd_r=6EH6YX08TFC02QPSK0W7&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=2033310062&pf_rd_i=B00805VUD8 Surge Protectors Buying Guide http://www.tripplite.com/datashield-serial-in-line-surge-protector-db25~DB25ALL/ http://www.tripplite.com/datashield-serial-in-line-surge-protector-db9~DB9/ http://www.tripplite.com/products/surge-buying-guide http://www.tripplite.com/applications/home-theater http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-surge-protector/ http://www.woodsmall.com/ = Woodsmall's MAIN Web Page c 1987 - 2017