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/
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