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Surge Protector ... ?

8.29.215.225
Posted on August 14, 2014 at 17:03:29
Bromo33333
Audiophile

Posts: 3502
Location: Ipswich, MA
Joined: May 4, 2004
 I don't live in an area that is noted for thunderstorms, but this year we've been having quite a few, and I was thinking that the time might be good to get a good solid surge protector.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I am thinking about Surge-X, but am open to any out there that might be able to help and not muck up the sound.
====
"You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." ~ R A Wilson

 

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RE: Surge Protector ... ?, posted on August 14, 2014 at 19:33:44
Jack D II
Audiophile

Posts: 1535
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Joined: June 17, 2009
 Based on recommendations found here I got a Environmental Protection 2050 which offers the additional advantage of having a high frequency filter. After installation my system's sound improved noticeably and the volume increased.

 

I would have fried my equipment if it wasn't for PS Audio, posted on August 14, 2014 at 19:41:14
bullethead
 I have the PS Audio Quintet which isn't made anymore. For many years going strong. I linked to their newer product which I can recommend from my past and current experience with the quintet. Last week my power went out. Everything was fired up in my system. Everything OK. If you don't have something already worth a look.

I use mine with a Shunyata Zitron Cobra power cable connected to it. Outlet is a hospital grade outlet as well.

Power is very important as you know, as is protection.

 

RE: Surge Protector ... ?, posted on August 14, 2014 at 20:01:22
hifinutt
Audiophile

Posts: 285
Location: So.Cal
Joined: March 31, 2002
 The problem with most surge protectors is they depend on MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) which are sacrificial devices. They have an unpredictable life span, and there is no way to tell if they are currently working, thus you could be unprotected in a surge. While you may not experience a significant surge, there are lesser surges, that play out the life of MOVs.
The only device I've heard about that doesn't use MOVs is the Brick Wall Surge Protector. They make devices specifically for audiophile applications. MY friend uses one, and it appears they have no signature of their own, a good thing.

 

RE: Surge Protector ... ?, posted on August 15, 2014 at 03:09:58
mt10425
Audiophile

Posts: 2399
Location: 3 hours west of Chicago
Joined: January 23, 2004
 Brickwall and Surge-X are the same.



"It's all fun and games until someone doesn't pick up on the sarcasm"

 

RE: Surge Protector ... ?, posted on August 15, 2014 at 03:15:35
mt10425
Audiophile

Posts: 2399
Location: 3 hours west of Chicago
Joined: January 23, 2004
 I use a surge-X in my HT. I also have a Brickwall I used to use in my main analog system but, it only has two outlets so, I use it elsewhere. I highly recommend as surge protection. Equipment has played through thunderstorms before uninterrupted while various lights flicker in the house.



"It's all fun and games until someone doesn't pick up on the sarcasm"

 

The best place for surge protection is .... , posted on August 15, 2014 at 05:58:48
three_sox
 ... At the meter box.

:o)

 

Environmental Potentials 2050, posted on August 15, 2014 at 06:37:39
Rob Doorack
Audiophile

Posts: 5378
Joined: May 26, 2000
 The manufacturer is Environmental Potentials, not Protection. I've had the devices installed on the last several homes I've owned (my job and my wife's have caused us to move frequently) and swear by them. Considering how many electronic devices there are in the contemporary American middle class home - even appliances have processors in them now - anyone who doesn't have a whole house surge protector is just asking for trouble.

 

RE: The best place for surge protection is .... , posted on August 15, 2014 at 07:27:32
abs1
 I use an Intermatic Panel Guard whole house surge protector mounted at the side of the main breaker box next to the power meter. The Panel Guard requires two unused circuit breakers in the main breaker box and is available in several sizes depending on the capacity of your electrical system.

The idea is to route the excessive (surge) current immediately to ground before giving it a chance to enter your internal house wiring. It's the best and safest way to protect all of your electric appliances and electronic gear. These things really work! Note that the Panel Guard is not a power conditioner, etc. so you might want to consider employing something like that in addition to a whole house surge protector, especially if your normal house current is 'dirty'.

Cheers,
Al

 

RE: Surge Protector ... ?, posted on August 15, 2014 at 08:39:10
DeeCee
Audiophile

Posts: 769
Joined: July 6, 2001
 I live in the "lightning capitol" of the US (Orlando) and had the electri company install a whole house surge protector.

I also use (and suggest) using a brick wall or zero surge unit for local protection of computers, audio and HT systems.

Good luck!

DeeCee

 

RE: Surge Protector ... ?, posted on August 15, 2014 at 08:57:05
Jack D II
Audiophile

Posts: 1535
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Joined: June 17, 2009
 My contractor also strongly recommended getting a device that guards against brown-outs. Here in Naples, Fl. some of the power companies equipment is old and has limited capacity. In addition there are the frequent lightning strikes knocking out power then the surge resulting in initial underpower. He installed a Tripplite (they've been around forever) unit into which I have plugged my Haley conditioner with everything plugged into the Haley except the Quicksilver 88 mono amps.

 

Slightly off topic...but looking for input..., posted on August 15, 2014 at 13:31:41
Mark Man
Audiophile

Posts: 1079
Location: MN
Joined: January 31, 2010
 After many years of Condo living in various areas through out the country...90% of the power sucks...I use a PS Audio P5 PowerPlant that has resolved all power issues...

My Sanders Magtech is plugged directly into the wall, this made me nervous so I called Roger Sanders to ask about surge protection for the amp...(the Magtech pulls way to much power for the P5)...He said it was not necessary with his amp, then proceeded to tell me a story, that his Office and Plant took a direct lighting strike and fried much of his testing equipment, computers and misc. items plugged into the wall...but never touched his amps and pre-amps that were plugged directly into the wall...so I did not buy one...I may still buy a Brickwall surge protector for my own piece of mind...

Here is the off topic part...this summer at the condo complex, where I live, we blew the main transformer twice...no impact on my end...
Then we had a very bad storm and a lighting strike that was extremely close that it shook the condo...rig was powered up and nothing got fried...BUT my CJ Pre-amp, that was plugged into the P5 PowerPlant, shut itself off immediately...I totally panicked, but the stand bye light was still on, so I pushed the power button and it started right up...I was relieved...but then I was perplexed on how that lighting strike got through the isolated outlets on the P5??? The CJ was the only component that shut itself down...I have not contacted PS Audio about this as of yet...but I am really curious on how and why this happened...especially since it was only the preamp that shut down...
Any input would be greatly appreciated...
thanks
Mark

 

Our experience, posted on August 15, 2014 at 13:47:44
Alex F.
Audiophile

Posts: 877
Location: Florida
Joined: February 29, 2004
 A search here will bring up numerous discussions on this subject.

I am another resident living in the central Florida area. Surges and outtages are common due to powerful and frequent thunderstorms. We have had at least four such storms every week this summer.

Our house, which we built in 2002, has several rooms with audio and video systems. The dedicated high-end music room is protected by Tripp Lite Isobar units. The high-end theater room uses two Panamax units, one of which gave its life protecting equipment (the friendly Panamax folks replaced the surge protector for free). The other systems and computers utilize Tripp Lite Isobar units.

Since moving here from New Jersey 12 years ago, I am happy to report, not one component has sustained damage. I wish I could say the same for our central air-conditioning system, which cost $1,600 to repair after a lightning strike hit very close to the house six or so years ago. It sounded like a bomb went off, making us jump, and causing our usually brave border collie to start shaking. (The A/C system was wired to a surge protector during the repairs--an expensive lesson for us.) Despite the major A/C damage, the audio, A/V, and computer gear were fine courtesy of Tripp Lite and Panamax.

 

RE: Our experience, posted on August 15, 2014 at 18:29:58
DeeCee
Audiophile

Posts: 769
Joined: July 6, 2001
 I hear ya! We had a near strike as well... the fun part was checking random damages here and there for WEEKS after the fact.

Love that KABOOM! ... Not!

DeeCee

 

Okay, what brand is the one you have?, posted on August 19, 2014 at 00:32:34
Timbo in Oz
Audiophile

Posts: 23221
Location: Canberra - in the ACT - SE Australia
Joined: January 30, 2002
 We don't get lightning strikes a lot but if they are close it's very scarey!


Warmest

Tim Bailey

Skeptical Measurer & Audio Scrounger


 

RE: Surge Protector ... ?, posted on August 19, 2014 at 03:33:15
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Bromo-

go with a dedicated line.

 

RE: Okay, what brand is the one you have?, posted on August 19, 2014 at 04:47:52
three_sox
 Hi Tim,

I use, Eaton.

We have a 100kVA 3 phase transformer on a pole hooked to the 6 meters. I have an Eaton surge protector/shunt. Model xxx3200.

From there the 4 30mm cables run underground to the sub-board in the garage where I have three Eaton SPD(?) rail-mounted surge protectors/diverters. I think we run about 24 individual 240V circuits from that board, plus about 4 415 V circuits. Also there is a another sub-board at the other end of the joint with another 8 individual 240V circuits plus some 415V circuits.

I suspect for your needs the Eaton rail mounted protectors would serve you well.






 

A dedicated line won't do anything for surges, posted on August 19, 2014 at 08:53:49
Rob Doorack
Audiophile

Posts: 5378
Joined: May 26, 2000
 It's just another AC circuit in your home, not magic. With all the electronics in contemporary homes, anyone who doesn't have comprehensive surge protection is a fool.

 

Our house is single phase. , posted on August 19, 2014 at 14:05:31
Timbo in Oz
Audiophile

Posts: 23221
Location: Canberra - in the ACT - SE Australia
Joined: January 30, 2002
 So possibly just one device, at or on the switch board.

It does have two 'spare' breakers each followed by a timer and formerly used for 'over the ceiling' heating panels. Now defunct.

I guess I need to talk to ACTEW-AGL!





Warmest

Tim Bailey

Skeptical Measurer & Audio Scrounger


 

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