| power surge protection
Dollar figures for lightning and surge losses vary widely, but it has been estimated that at least $2 billion in electrical and electronic equipment damage happens yearly. Surge damage occurs when the normal electrical circuit is suddenly exposed to a large dose of energy. Lightning is the most obvious source, but normal utility switching operations or downed power lines can generate surge also.
Protecting your telephone and computer equipment is your responsibility. As a telephone and/or Internet/DSL customer, your equipment is at risk of damage for two reasons. First, your equipment is very susceptible to high-power surges from the AC power side, and second, high-power surges can enter your equipment on your telephone and cable television lines.
For these reasons it is suggested that you employ some form of surge protection device. A surge protection device (SPD) is the best way to prevent or reduce damage caused from electrical surges and should be installed strategically outside and throughout the home. SPDs are designed to redirect high-current surges to the ground and bypass equipment to limit the voltage that is impressed.
Power-surge protection puts up guards in two places:
- where electricity enters your home, and
- inside your home where equipment is connected to electricity through outlets.
A meter-based surge protector protects your home from power surges at the entry point, which is where your home and equipment are most vulnerable. A "whole house SPD" can be installed directly into the meter box to reduce externally generated surges, including indirect lightning strikes on the line. Installing a whole house SPD requires the service of a professional electrician. Plug-in devices for surge protection inside the home protect your equipment at the outlet stage.
REMEMBER: All surge protection devices are not created equal, so understanding their capabilities and limitations is very important. Most people are concerned about protecting their home enough to purchase a surge strip. But is a surge strip enough? Below is an explanation of the industry's leading technologies as well as other factors that will help you choose the best solution.
Surge Suppressors or surge protectors are passive electronic devices that protect against transient high-level voltages. These are often used to shield important, but not critical or highly sensitive office equipment, such as copiers and fax machines.
Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPSs) typically consist of a basic battery/power conversion circuit and senses irregularities in the electric utility. Standby UPSs are cost effective solutions particularly suitable for single-user PCs and peripheral equipment that requires basic power protection.
To know which surge protection technology is best for your equipment, below is a list of specifications that might make your purchase decision a little easier.
Response Time - This refers to the time it takes an SPD to react to and begin dissipating a power surge. For digital equipment response time should be no more than five nanoseconds.
Voltage Protection Level - This is the voltage level an SPD will allow through to your equipment while it is dissipating a power surge. To protect digital equipment the voltage protection level should be no more than 300 volts on a 120-volt AC system.
Power Dissipation - This represents the SPD's ability to expend the energy of a power surge. A properly specified surge protection system should provide high power dissipation while still maintaining a low voltage protection level.
Reliability - This refers to the stability of an SPD. Make sure the SPD provides the same voltage protection level regardless of the magnitude of the surge.
Warranty - Make sure that your SPD offers enough coverage to reimburse you for your equipment loses in the event the protection device should fail.
Inside the home, the SPD should be installed as close to the equipment as possible for maximum protection. Be sure your outlets are properly grounded. You will periodically need to replace your SPD. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation.
Remember, while nothing can prevent damage from a direct lightning strike, SPDs can protect your valuable electronics and appliances from the most common source of damage - A POWER SURGE.
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