Plug-in protectors (ie APC) can even contribute to damage of
the adjacent computer. It is what they forgot to mention that
tells so much. For example, it claims protection from
transients that don't typically exist. Therefore they can
call it a surge protector. You will then assume it protects
from all types of surges. They just forget to discuss the
different types of surges.
Will a one inch device inside that protector stop what three
miles of sky could not? It must to perform as assumed.
Ben Franklin demonstrated how to protect in 1752. You don't
stop, block, or absorb destructive transients - except where
myths promote overpriced products. So that lightning did not
find earth ground through a steeple, Ben Franklin connected a
lighting rod to protection - earth ground. So that a surge
does not find a path to earth ground through your transistors,
you must install a 'whole house' protector (on each incoming
utility wire) to the single point earth ground.
Earthing is how effective protection was done in the 1930s -
technology is that old and that well proven. Technology so
well proven that a telco installs a 'whole house' protector on
your phone line where it enters the building - and for free.
It's that effective and that inexpensive.
How to identify ineffective protectors. 1) No dedicated
connection for a 'less than 10 foot' wire to earth ground. 2)
Manufacturer avoids all discussion about earthing. He hopes
you complete forget what even Ben Franklin demonstrated.
The surge protector could be completely vaporized and yet
power would still be provided to a computer. Appreciate how
those grossly undersized plug-in protectors meet a human
safety requirement called UL 1449 2nd Edition. They fuse the
protector components so that those components are disconnected
during a surge - leaving the computer to fend for itself.
Notice that the surge protector component - the MOVs - are
completely removed from the protector and still its OK light
illuminates:
http://www.zerosurge.com/HTML/movs.html
Plug-in protectors are not effective and do not perform what
was well proven even in the 1930s - the protector being only
as effective as its earth ground.
Effective protector have brand names of responsible
electrical manufacturers such as Square D, Leviton, Siemens,
Polyphaser, Intermatic, Cutler-Hammer, and GE. Plug-in
protector manufacturers hope you will never learn about, for
example, THE most essential component in a surge protection
'system': earth ground.
Effective 'whole house' protectors are sold in Home Depot
(Intermatic) and Lowes (GE and Cutler-Hammer). Have never
seen an effective protector sold in Sears, Radio Shack,
Staples, Circuit City, Office Max, Walmart, or a grocery
store. How do you know? Where is the connection for a 'less
than 10 foot' connection to earth ground? Do you really think
that silly little plug-in protector or UPS will stop what
three miles of sky could not? They hope you will assume
because profit margins are so high.
You have a whole neighborhood that is ready to learn some
well proven technology. Additional information is in a
discussion entitled "Opinions on Surge Protectors?" starting 8
Jul 2003 in the newsgroup alt.certification.a-plus at:
http://tinyurl.com/l3m9
