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Old 01-30-2006, 07:50 PM   #9
tw
Read? I only know how to write.
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,933
Quote:
Originally Posted by dar512
Then what you want is a good surge protector. Expect to pay $25-$50 for a good one. What to look for.
How to identify an ineffective protector: 1) Protector has no dedicated connection to earth ground, and 2) Manufacturer avoids discussing earth ground. Plug-in protectors from APC, Belkin, and Tripplite violate both points.

Principles used by effective protectors were demonstrated by Ben Franklin. Same reason why commerical radio stations are routinely struck by lightning and don't fail. Same reason why emergecy response center operators need not remove headsets and leave the room during every thunderstorm.

Two factors that determine protection quality. 1) Earthing determines how a 'system' protects during each transient. 2) Joules determines protector life expectancy over many transients. Effective protection means a human never even knows the transient existed. "How to Choose a Surge Protector" only mentions joules and does not discuss the most critical protection component - earthing.
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