On 9/16/2012 2:22 AM, Christopher Brown wrote:
On 9/15/12 5:46 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
I can't comment about RF filtering, but it's an MOV box, which is BAD
NEWS on a branch circuit.
Care to explain or provide a ref?
The fundamental problem is that MOVs, like all shunt protectors, attempt
to short out the surge, mostly by conducting it to ground. When the MOV
is at the end of a branch circuit, the IR and IZ drop produced by surge
current raises the chassis of the protected equipment to a very high
potential. If that product is connected to ANYTHING that is grounded
elsewhere (an antenna, or equipment plugged into a different outlet) the
difference in potential is quite likely to fry both pieces of
equipment. This used to be a major problem in the pro audio world until
we found series mode surge suppressors, and it's still a problem in the
computer world. I've seen several well-documented reports of lightning
taking out everything connected by Ethernet in homes and offices with no
ham radio involved.
MOVs also have a limited lifetime -- after they have absorbed a certain
number of joules, they no longer do anything -- and they often fail
destructively. In cheaply constructed products, they could even start a
fire. The Isobars do not fall into that category, but a lot of power
strips with MOVs do.
MOV's are a fine solution at the power service entrance if they are
properly installed and the premises follows proper grounding and
bonding, but on branch circuits, they're likely to CAUSE as many
problems as they might prevent.
I know of two companies making series-mode protectors, both of which
license the same technology. Brick Wall sells in the consumer world,
SurgeX to the pro audio and video world. About 15 years ago, I started
specifying their products to protect racks full of very expensive
small-signal equipment in the large and small sound systems I was
designing and specifying. As a consultant, I had no part of the sale of
equipment, nor did I get a commission on anything -- rather, I was paid
by the owner of the building for whom I was designing the system, or by
his architect.
About ten years ago, because I was well known as a technical writer,
SurgeX asked me to write a tutorial for them on power and grounding for
audio and video systems, and since about 2004, I've been teaching
classes on that topic at industry trade shows. As a result, I know more
about their products than about Brick Wall.
73, Jim K9YC
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