How large can power surges get?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] According to industry standards, power surges inside a building can reach up to 6,000 Volts, and 3,000 amperes, and deliver up to 90 joules of energy. 90 Joules is not a lot of energy. To put that in perspective, it would raise the temperature of a bottle of water about one degree F. But since the surge energy is delivered in less than 100 microseconds, the amount of power exceeds 18,000,000 watts of power! [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Why are surges more of a problem in recent years?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] Since the 1980s, most electronic devices are powered by switch mode power supplies as opposed to older linear power supplies. Linear power supplies are less efficient but are not sensitive to changes in current. Switch mode power supplies are more efficient but are more sensitive to changes in current. MOV based surge protection cannot protection against surges in current so even when you think your surge protector is working, it may not stop the types of surges that damage today's power supplies. Additionally, more devices are made to consume less power, so their power supplies have become smaller. A smaller power supply is less able to resist the damage from everyday surges. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

How do cable, data, and telephone line surges differ from power line surges?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] Unlike power line surges, neither cable, data, nor telephone line surges are generated inside the building. They are only externally generated so the best place to stop these types of surges is where they enter the building. Proper grounding at the service entrance by the service provider is key. Putting cable, data, and telephone line surge protection at the point of use is counterproductive as it provides a path inside and causes ground line contamination when it diverts the surge. MOV based surge protectors that have data protection are there to protect your devices from the MOV itself as an MOV will send energy to the ground line. The ground line is shared with communication lines. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Do standby generators cause surges?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] Standby generators often output variable power (a/k/a dirty power). This is where Zero Surge’s wide voltage range technology is particularly beneficial due to its capability to sense and filter surges over a range of 85V-175V. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Do surges occur when there’s a power outage or brownout?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""] Yes, surges occur during power outages and brownouts. Typical surge protectors must reach a fixed clamping level before they recognize the surge. Zero Surge’s wide voltage range dynamic filter in comparison, actively senses surges and operates over a range of 85V-175V, compatible with today’s fixed mode power supplies. This is especially beneficial during brownouts and when standby generators are used. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

What type of equipment can be damaged by surges?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] Any equipment with microprocessors would be considered sensitive and vulnerable to surge damage. Computers, standby uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), audio components, TVs, digital signage, laboratory equipment, controllers, medical devices, fire alarm and security systems are all examples. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

I have no power for my devices, what could be wrong?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] All Zero Surge products have a light that indicates whether the product is receiving power. If the light is out, check these items: Is there a wall switch that is off? Is the circuit breaker tripped at the panel? If equipped, is the circuit breaker on the Zero Surge unit tripped? If the issue is a tripped breaker (either ours or the panel), try to figure out why it tripped. Add up the max input current for each device. If it exceeds the rating of the breaker (either one), then you need to reduce the number of items plugged into this circuit. Sometimes, more than one wall receptacle is wired to a single breaker. If this does not solve the problem, then please contact us for further assistance. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Do surge protectors cause damage to motherboards and data cards?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] There are basically two types of powerline surge technology, patented Series Mode and the older Shunt Mode (so-called hybrids are usually Shunt Mode). The Shunt Mode technology was developed over thirty years ago to protect standalone equipment, but this older technology is no longer suitable for modern sensitive interconnected equipment. Shunt Mode protectors are still very common because this older technology is inexpensive to manufacture with high profit margins, and as long as people can be seduced by the low prices, these products will continue to be sold. They generally divert powerline surges to the safety ground wire, using circuits described as “All Three Modes of Protection”. The resulting surges diverted to the ground wire can exceed 1000 volts, exposing sensitive motherboards and data boards to surge disruption, degradation and damage. This surge voltage on the ground wire varies along the length of the wire. When equipment such as modems, printers and other computers are interconnected, the interconnecting cable creates a “ground loop”. If the surge induced on the safety ground wire of one computer is 1000 volts and the surge induced on the safety ground wire at another location is 600 volts, then the difference of 400 volts is fed into the interconnecting cables causing the disruption, degradation, or damage. While large surges will cause damage, small surges can result in data problems such as lock-ups, data errors, and “mysterious problems.” It is better to avoid Shunt Mode surge protectors that claim “All Three Modes of Suppression” than to try and live with the problems they cause when they divert surges to the ground wire. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Why do you recommend preceding an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a Zero Surge power quality filter?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] A typical standby UPS lets through 400V or more of surge energy. Surge energy let-through of over 400V can cause damage to sensitive components. Preceding the UPS with a Zero Surge 2R Series product protects the UPS and its connected equipment from the surges that can wear down components over time causing premature failure as well as from catastrophic surges that cause immediate damage. The National Electric Code regulates against the daisy chaining of plugged in power devices. By rule, any device with three or more receptacles is considered a “Relocatable Power Tap”. You should not connect two or more Relocatable Power Taps into each other. That is why we developed the 2R15W as it only has two receptacles. It is allowed to plug the 2R15W into the wall outlet and plug the UPS into the 2R15W. An alternative is to plug the UPS into a branch circuit that is protected by one of our Commercial or OEM products. By code, it is not allowed to use our 6, 8, or 10 receptacle products with a UPS. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

How can I mount a plug-in unit?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] There are national rules about mounting surge protectors. For safety, surge protectors with 3 or more receptacles can not be mounted in a way that prevents its removal by hand. The thinking is that in an emergency, you can not remove the protector without looking around for a tool. That is why we offer an optional shelf for these larger units. A Zero Surge 2R falls outside of this rule, so you are allowed to mount it. We offer an optional set of brackets. There are four locations on a 2R that can be used to mount it. Only 2 brackets are necessary to hold up the 2R (even under a ceiling). [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

FAQs Archive

How large can power surges get?
Why are surges more of a problem in recent years?
How do cable, data, and telephone line surges differ from power line surges?
Do standby generators cause surges?
Do surges occur when there’s a power outage or brownout?
What type of equipment can be damaged by surges?
I have no power for my devices, what could be wrong?
Do surge protectors cause damage to motherboards and data cards?
Why do you recommend preceding an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a Zero Surge power quality filter?
How can I mount a plug-in unit?

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