Surge Supressors Explained

Usually a varistor, also known as an MOV, connects the power line to the ground. When the voltage spikes, these varistors allow the current to run to the ground and dissipate the surge. When current returns to normal, the varistors have higher resistance that prevent normal current from traveling to the ground. Another method uses a gas tube in a similar parallel circuit to perform the same job as the varistor.

Some surge products use a series circuit design instead. Basically, these suppressors detect the higher voltage, store the extra energy in a series of capacitors, and release it gradually to the neutral line when the current returns to its normal state. The idea is to prevent the electricity from traveling to the ground line and possibly disrupting the building's electrical system.

Surge suppressors can’t be completely relied upon during lightning storms because of the tremendous surge in current. The safest solution would be to unplug the device. Lightning is not the most common cause for surges, though. Surprisingly, high-power electrical devices, such as elevators, air conditioners and refrigerators are usually the culprit for surges because of the demand placed on the system turning on and off components like compressors and motors in these appliances.

Whole House Surge Protectors

Plug-in Surge Protectors

UPS Backup

• IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) states that 6000V is the largest transient that the interior of a building would experience.
• IEEE defines its harshest interior surge environment as one that could experience 100 surges of 6000V, 3000A in a years time (category B3).
• A new federal guideline recommends that a surge protector utilized in a harsh environment should be capable of withstanding 1000 surges of 6000V, 3000A or ten years worth of IEEE’s category B3.
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories) now provides a new adjunct testing service (in addition to the 1449 safety classification) that will test surge protectors to the 1000 surge, 6000V, 3000A federal protocol.

Be sure that the product is listed as a transient voltage surge suppressor. This means that it meets the criteria for UL 1449, UL's minimum performance standard for surge suppressors. A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection. There are three levels of protection in the UL rating -- 330 V, 400 V and 500 V. Generally, a clamping voltage more than 400 V is too high. A higher number for energy absorption indicates greater protection. Look for a protector that is at least rated at 200 to 400 joules. For better protection, look for a rating of 600 joules or more. Also, make sure the surge suppressor has a response time of less than 1 nanosecond.