ZeroSurge plug-in products do not block X-10 signals. Standard MOV-based surge strips place filter capacitors directly across Hot and Neutral in parallel with the wall receptacle. At 120 kHz, these capacitors act as an AC short circuit, sucking the X10 signal out of the house wiring. In contrast, Zero Surge plug-in units place the series inductor first. To a 120 kHz signal on the main house wiring, the plug-in unit looks like an open circuit. It does not absorb the signal, leaving ambient X10 levels intact across the residence.
ZeroSurge FF1 branch circuit facility filters block cross-barrier signals. The FF1 is installed in series along the circuit run. Because the entire branch circuit sits behind the filter, a 120 kHz signal sent from the main panel hits the reactor and capacitor bank. The filter attenuates the 120 kHz burst from ~3.5V down to ~0.17V (a ~95% drop), preventing cross-barrier signal transmission.
For more technical information, please review our Tech Note.
