Download A/V Power Mgmt - Which Devices To Buy

Audio/Video System Power
Management
-Choosing The Best Device
CinemaSource ,
18 Denbow Rd., Durham, NH 03824
www.cinemasource.com
CinemaSource Technical Bulletins. Copyright 2002 by CinemaSource, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
No part of this bulletin may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission,
except in brief quotations embodied in critical reviews.
CinemaSource is a registered federal trademark.
For information contact: The CinemaSource Press, 18 Denbow Rd. Durham, NH 03824
Audio/Video System Power Management
- Choosing The Best Device
Chapter 1: What To Look For in Power Management Devices
• Six Items to Look for in Power Management Devices -------------------• Beware of some specifications -------------------------------------------------• Check the actual UL rating ------------------------------------------------------
Page 4
Page 6
Page 7
Chapter 2: Warranties and Insurance Policies
• Understanding Warranties and Insurance Policies -----------------------• Tripp-Lite Warranties and Insurance Policy --------------------------------• Monster Warranties and Insurance Policy ---------------------------------
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Chapter 3: Manufacturers Profiles
• Selected Monster Power Products ---------------------------------------------• Selected Tripp Lite Power Products -------------------------------------------• Selected Niles Power Products -------------------------------------------------• Whole home protection -----------------------------------------------------------• Other Power Management Companies ----------------------------------------
Page 12
Page 15
Page 19
Page 22
Page 26
Glossary:
• Power management terms ------------------------------------------------------
Page 28
Appendix:
• Overview of UL 1229 changes -------------------------------------------------• Understanding UL 1229, second edition -------------------------------------
Page 33
Page 36
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The author wishes to thank the following
people and companies for helping supplying material for this design guide
• Leviton Corpor ation (diagrams and text)
• TrippLite Corpor ation (diagrams and text)
• PC Power Protection, HWSams and company (diagrams and text)
• Bob Whitehead, Whitehead Triangle Foundation (research assistance)
• Television Engineering Handbook by Blair Benson, McG raw-Hill, Inc .
• George Gavutis (research assistance)
• Jamen Towle (research assistance)
Chapter One: What To Look For
4
CHAPTER ONE:
What To Look For in
Power Management
Devices
he spectrum of power management devices today is
quite broad. You can find everything from powerstriptype suppressors that retail for under ten bucks to
full-featured UPSs that cost several thousand dollars.
Deciding which units are most appropriate for your home
theater depends on several factors.
T
First, consider how valuable the equipment is that you
want to protect. Since a major purpose of power
management is protection, you should consider how much
"psychological insurance" you need. After that you may
want to consider non-safety related performance criteria.
An example of a performance related might be a high-end
power line conditioner with precise sine wave generation
capabilities, for example.
Here are six recommendations we suggest regardless of
the type or brand of power management device you look
at.
1) Enough power for your immediate
needs.
Power management devices all have maximum power
ratings. This is the total amount of power that can be
drawn from the unit and is usually specified in Watts or
"VA" units. (If you want to find out what the VA load of your
system is refer to our chart on page 18.) Be sure to
purchase a power management device that is capable of
supplying all your present and future needs.
Note: Not all outlets on power management devices are
created equal. On many devices, some outlets are
capable of much higher wattages that others. The
manufacturers often refer to the high capacity ones as
“High Power”, “Video” or “Amplifier” outlets. The reason
they are differentiated is for cost reasons. High power
outlets require beefier relays and EMI/RFI filters. The
lower cost ones are for low power devices like VCRs, DVD
players, etc.
What to look for: Take an inventory of the number of
components you have, and the power they draw. Make
sure the power management device you are considering
has enough outlets, rated at enough power, to cover you
current and future needs.
2) Multiple stages of transient
protection.
As we mentioned before, entry-level surge suppressors
generally employ one or two MOVs across the hot and
neutral lines for transient protection. This kind of circuit
can be described as having a single stage of protection.
With multiple stages of protection, different components
are used in sequential stages yielding vastly better
protection.
What to Look For: Triple Stage, or higher, transient
protection circuitry.
3) A low suppressed voltage rating.
Since the job of a transient protector is to swallow
transients, a test has emerged to certify how well a device
accomplishes that. It is called a suppressed voltage rating
test and is often referred to as part of the UL Standard
1449 transient suppression test procedures. Suppressed
volt ratings will tell you how good a job the device does at
clamping a 6000V transient applied to the input terminals
of a device by looking at the output terminals and seeing
what leaks through. Because many devices are not UL
rated, or are under going UL testing, you will find
suppressed voltage ratings stated in many ways. Look for
the specification given by the manufacturer "suppressed
voltage", "clamping voltage", or similar nomenclature. The
gold standard, though, is the real UL 1449 test. If the
device that you are considering has passed that standard
then you can be assured it is a top notch unit.
Chapter One: What To Look For
Note: The UL 1449 was updated and strengthened in
1998. In the appendix of this document you will find an
article from Panamax that identifies the changes that
occurred.
What to look for: If the device is UL rated look for a
UL1449 suppressed voltage ratings less than 500 V (the
best category is 330 volts). Otherwise look for ratings in
the general area of 500 V or less.
4) All three incoming power lines
protected.
Inexpensive surge suppressors just have a component to
two hung across a couple of the incoming power lines.
This actually works fine for most transients, the problem is
it doesn't protect for ALL types of transients. Well
engineered suppressors fully protect all three power lines
(hot, neutral and ground). This detail is part of the new UL
1449 specification. As in item 3 above, look for a device
that passes the UL 1449 standard and you are guaranteed
protection of all three power lines.
What to look for: Protection components (MOVs, Zener
diodes, Filters, etc) connected to all three power lines.
5) EMI/RFI filtering, both for input power
and between accessory outlets.
EMI/RFI filtering for input power is important to prevent
high frequency noise from reaching connected
components. As we mentioned earlier, the RFI/EMI that
travels among all the connected components should be
filtered out also.
What to look for: Substantial EMI/RFI filtering on the AC
power input and on all the outlets that components
connect to.
6) A good warranty.
Warranties generally reflect a manufacturers belief in the
quality of their product and you should look for the best
warranty offered. A new twist on the power management
warranties is to actually insure the equipment attached to
the device. As we covered in Chapter Eight, read the
warranty and connected equipment insurance policies
before you chose a power management device.
The warranty should be carefully read, because its fine
print often invalidates the very protection features desired
by the user. Generally speaking, the track record and
reputation of the device manufacturer is a major
consideration. Many manufacturers promise warranty
periods that are longer than the time the firm has been in
existence. Some manufacturers claim to offer a “Lifetime
Warranty”, but after a short period, the end-user is
required to purchaseadditional insurance to keep the
warranty in effect. Also, some SPD’s are sold at grossly
inflated prices as a hedge against future warranty claims.
Finally, some smaller manufacturers could be bankrupted
by warranty claims on major system failures involving their
products.
Another thing: some manufacturers offer
“DOWNSTREAM” warranty provisions. This type of
warranty backs not only the surge supressor itself, but
also the electronic equipment being protected by the
device. Typically, if the electronic equipment is damaged,
repairs are made at an authorized shop. After notification
of the manufacturer, and a finding that damage was the
result of a transient surge event, payment is made to the
claimant. There are many forms of warranty applied to
surge protective devices. The one constant is that they
must be carefully examined, and viewed in light of the
manufacturer’s longevity and reputation.
What to look for: The best warranties are lifetime
warranties and equipment replacement insurance policies.
5
Chapter One: What To Look For
6
Beware...
“Nonstandardized
Specifications”
ecause of the volume of data published by the
manufacturers of Surge Protective Devices, creating
a specification for these devices is vulnerable to
omissions or inconsistencies. Recognizing the need for a
consistent, reliable specification structure, the National
Electrical Manufacturer’s Association, or NEMA, has
developed the NEMA LS-1 Specification Format for Surge
Protective Devices.
B
Navigating Through Nonstandarized Performance
Specifications
It’s also important to understand certain irrelevant
characteristics of SPD’s that often muddy the waters,
mislead, and confuse the issues when making product
comparisons and specifying SPD’s. Perhaps the two
characteristics of SPD’s that are most often improperly
reported involve Joule energy ratings and response time
or turn-on time. Despite the emphasis that these
parameters are given by some manufacturers, they can be
safely disregarded when evaluating SPD’s, because of the
many ambiguous ways these values are reported. Indeed,
the NEMA LS-1 format does not include any reference to
either Joule energy rating or response time, because
NEMA recognizes that these are not critical parameters.
For Example: Joule Energy Ratings
To begin with, the “Joule” is a unit of measure applied to
the ability to do work, or absorb energy. In the case of
SPD’s it relates to the ability for absorbing heat energy.
One Joule per second is equal to 1 Watt, a unit of
electrical power. Likewise, horsepower is another unit of
work. At 100% efficiency, 1 hp is equal to 746 Watts. How
is this related to SPD energy absorption?
Well, horsepower is related to British Thermal Units, or
BTU’s. One horsepower (746 Watts at 100% efficiency) is
equivalent to 2545 BTU’s per hour. A single BTU is the
amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water one
degree Fahrenheit. This very roundabout path is the basic
link of the “Joule” to electrical energy, and the temperature
rise within an MOV. To put it in simpler terms, when a
transient current passes through an MOV, this component
will heat up because of the BTU equivalent energy within
that transient current, and because of the resistance value
of the MOV itself.
Although this general link exists, it’s often reported in a
way that can be misleading. For instance, some
manufacturers describe the Joule energy rating of a
device as the sum total of the rating for each phase the
SPD protects. Obviously, for a three-phase device with
neutral-to-ground protection, this figure will be four times
higher than any real-world Joule rating available per
phase. Moreover, the Joule ratings are often determined
by calculations which depend on waveforms that are very
different from the IEEE C62.41 8x20µs standard.
In conclusion, Joule energy ratings of SPD’s are, at best,
unimportant and at worst, seriously misleading.
Chapter One: What To Look For
7
Check The
Actual UL
Rating!
ll UL 1449 Listed surge protective devices MUST be furnished with a label applied directly to the product that
plainly shows UL clamping ratings verified by ULtesting. The label plainly indicates “UL Listing – Transient Voltage
Surge Suppressor.” It shows the clamping levels of the device, and indicates modes of protection. These are the
so-called NORMAL MODE, meaning protection is provided from Line to Neutral, and COMMON MODE, meaning there
is protection from Line to Ground and Neutral to Ground. The protection modes are important to verify because it is
possible for a manufacturer to get UL 1449 Listing on an surge suppression device that doesn’t offer both normal and
common-mode protection.
A
Moreover, real caution on the part of the buyer is needed when choosing plug-in surge suppression devices. That’s
because there are some devices on the market described as surge suppressors by their manufacturers. But they are
NOT UL 1449 LISTED AS TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SURGE SUPPRESSORS (TVSS). Instead, they are often listed
under UL 1363 Standard for Safety - Temporary Power Taps. This is actually the set of standards that applies to devices
like cube taps or outlet adapters. It DEFINITELY DOES NOT indicate satisfactory transient clamping performance, and
in fact is proof that the device has definitely not been subjected to clamping performance testing by UL. Of course, any
product claimed by its manufacturer to be a surge protective device, but without the UL 1449 Listing, should never be
used as asurge suppressor, and should be avoided entirely.
Images Courtesy of TrippLite, Inc.
Chapter Two: Warranties and Insurance Policies
CHAPTER TWO:
Warranties and
Insurance Policies
ll power management products come with a manufacturer’s limited warranty and many come with an
insurance policy for connected devices. A manufacturer’s warranty generally covers the power
management product itself. While this may be of small concern with inexpensive power strips, it is
quite a benefit for the more expensive power conditioners and higher end devices. Unique to the power
management industry is a Connected Equipment Insurance Policy. By including an insurance policy that
covers all the connected equipment, a manufacturer is stating a very high confidence in the performance of
there products. When looking at devices look for large insurance coverage and be sure to completely
document what equipment is connected to the power device (serial numbers and all) just in case you ever
want to file a claim. Taking photos of your system isn’t a bad idea either.
A
On the next several pages we illustrate the limited warranty and insurance policies of Tripplite and Monster
Power. If you take a good look at these policies you will find contingencies that could affect your application
and comfort level. The best defense is a good offense so read the fine print!
TRIPP LITE’S LIFETIME LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANT Y
TRIPP LITE warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for life. TRIPP LITE’s
obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at its sole option) any such defective products.
To obtain service under this warranty, you must obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number from
TRIPP LITE or an authorized TRIPP LITE service center. Products must be returned to TRIPP LITE or an
authorized TRIPP LITE service center with transportation charges prepaid and must be accompanied by a brief
description of the problem encountered and proof of date and place of purchase. This warranty does not apply to
equipment which has been damaged by accident, negligence or misapplication or has been altered or modified in
any way. The warranties of all TRIPP LITE surge suppressors are null and void if they have been connected to
the output of any UPS system. The warranties of all TRIPP LITE UPS Systems are null and void if a surge
suppressor has been connected to its output receptacles.
EXCEPTAS PROVIDED HEREIN, TRIPP LITE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT-ABILITYAND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some
states do not permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limitation(s) or
exclusion(s) may not apply to the purchaser.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL TRIPP LITE BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN- DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT, EVEN
IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. Specifically, TRIPP LITE is not liable for any costs,
such as lost profits or revenue, loss of equipment, loss of use of equipment, loss of software, loss of data, costs
of substitutes, claims by third parties, or otherwise. The policy of TRIPP LITE is one of continuous improvement.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
8
Chapter Two: Warranties and Insurance Policies
TRIPP-LITE’S ULTIMATE LIFETIME EQUIPMENT INSURANCE POLICY
(Valid in U.S. and Canada ONLY) TRIPP LITE warrants, for the lifetime of the product, (at TRIPP LITE's option)
to repair or replace (on a pro rata basis) directly connected equipment that is damaged due to power transients
while properly connected to TRIPP LITE products offering the ULTIMATE Lifetime Insurance Policy.
Reimbursement or restoration for data loss is not included. Power transients include spikes and surges on the
AC power, data or telephone lines that the TRIPP LITE products have been designed to protect against (as
recognized by industry standards).
AC Power Line Transients: To claim damages, the TRIPP LITE product must be plugged into a properly wired
and grounded outlet. No extension cords or other electrical connections may be used. The installation must
comply with all applicable electrical and safety codes set forth by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Except as
provided above, this warranty does not cover any damage to properly connected electronic equipment resulting
from a cause other than an "AC power transient." If user meets all of the above requirements, TRIPP LITE will
repair or replace (at TRIPP LITE's option) equipment up to the specified value (See ULTIMATE Lifetime
Insurance Policy Limits). No coverage is allowed for damage entering from telephone or data lines, unless they
are separately protected, as described below.
Telephone and Data Line Transients: Tripp Lite will repair or replace directly connected equipment that is
damaged by transients on telephone and/or data lines only when all such paths are protected by a Tripp Lite
protection product(s) and the AC power (utility) line is simultaneously protected by a Tripp Lite power protection
device (UPS, surge suppressor or line conditioner) with Ultimate Lifetime Insurance coverage. Reimbursement
dollar limits will be equal to that of the Tripp Lite power protection protector. Coverage is excluded where a
suitable environment for the protection device is not provided, including, but not limited to, lack of a proper
safety ground. Telephone service equipment must also include a properly installed and operating "primary
protection" device at the telephone service entrance (such devices are normally added during telephone line
installation).
All above warranties are null and void if the TRIPP LITE product has been improperly installed, tampered with or
altered in any way, or if the connected equipment was not used under normal operating conditions or in
accordance with any labels or instructions. All claims under this warranty must be submitted in writing to Tripp
Lite within 30 days of the occurrence or the claim will not be considered. This warranty does not include
damage resulting from accident or misuse, and applies to the domestic (USAand Canada) use of these
products only. Tripp Lite reserves the right to determine whether the damage to the connected equipment is due
to malfunction of the Tripp Lite product by requesting the equipment in question be sent to Tripp Lite for
examination. This policy is above and beyond, only to the extent needed, of that provided by any coverage of
connected equipment provided by other sources, including, but not limited to, any manufacturer's warranty
and/or any extended warranties.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, TRIPP LITE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT-ABILITYAND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some
states do not permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limitation(s) or
exclusion(s) may not apply to purchaser.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL TRIPP LITE BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTALOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT,
EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. Specifically, TRIPP LITE is not liable for any
costs, such as lost profits or revenue, loss of equipment, loss of use of equipment, loss of software, loss of data,
costs of substitutes, claims by third parties or otherwise. To receive service under this warranty, you must be the
original purchaser/user of the product in question. You must obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA)
number from TRIPP LITE. Products must be returned to TRIPP LITE with transportation charges prepaid and
must be accompanied by a brief description of the problem encountered and proof of date and place of
purchase.
9
Chapter Two: Warranties and Insurance Policies
MONSTER POWER LIFETIME LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANT Y
and CONNECTED EQUIPMENT WARRANT Y
Individual Monster Power product warranties may vary. Please review your owner's manual for specific
warranty details. Monster Cable Products, Inc. warrants that this product shall be free of defects in materials
and workmanship under normal use for its lifetime. Monster Power product warranties extend only to the
original purchaser and are nontransferable. In the event of a product claim, Monster Cable Products, Inc. will,
at its election, and at no additional charge, repair or replace defective parts or replace the entire unit. This
warranty does not apply to any Monster Cable Products, Inc. product that has been damaged or rendered
defective (a) as a result of accident, misuse or abuse; (b) by the use of parts not manufactured or sold by
Monster Cable Products, Inc.; or (c) by modification of product.
Connected Equipment Warranty
Monster Cable Products will, at its option, replace, pay to repair, or pay the fair market value of equipment that
is damaged by an AC power, cable, telephone surge while connected to a properly installed Monster Cable
Products surge protector. The Connected Equipment Warranty is conditioned on the damage having arisen
from surge damage or the Monster Cable Products surge protector having operated outside the designed
specifications. The maximum amount Monster Cable will pay is printed on the product packaging and in the
Monster Power Comparison Chart. The foregoing Connected Equipment Warranty is conditioned on the
damage having arisen from surge damage or the Monster Cable Products surge protector having operated
outside the designed specifications.
Proper Grounding, Power and Protection
The Limited Connected Equipment warranty becomes invalid if any component, or any wire (phone, coax, or
AC) leading into the equipment is not properly protected by the Monster PowerCenter. All Monster Power
products have a three-wire grounding-type AC plug (a three-prong plug). This plug is designed to be inserted
into a standard three-prong AC power outlet (110 to 120 volts) only (see your owner's manual for specific
hookup instructions and troubleshooting). All Monster Power products require a properly grounded 3-wire
outlet to properly protect connected equipment. The Limited Connected Equipment warranty becomes invalid if
building wiring and grounding does not conform to applicable NEC (USA) or CEC (Canada) codes.
Many older buildings are inadequately wired. It's very common for a building to be improperly grounded. In this
event, call a qualified electrician to fix the problem in your home's wiring. If you're not sure about your home's
wiring, have it checked by a qualified electrician.
General Provisions
Any technical or other advice offered before or after delivery with respect to the use and application of the
product is furnished without charge and subject to the understanding that such advise issued at the
purchaser's sole risk without any limitation or modifications of any disclaimer or other provision contained
herein.
THE ABOVE ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES; EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITYAND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT
SHALL MONSTER CABLE PRODUCTS, INC. BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL
OR INDIRECT DAMAGES.
Connected Equipment Claim
How To Make A Claim: In the event damage has occurred to equipment which is properly connected to a
Monster Power product as a result of an abnormally high voltage spike, you must follow these instructions.
1.
2.
3.
Call 877/800-8989.
Give a detailed explanation of how the damage occurred.
Obtain a Return Authorization number for the Monster Power product.
10
Chapter Two: Warranties and Insurance Policies
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
A "Connected Equipment Claim Form" will be sent to you. This claim form must be filled out entirely
and sent back with the Monster Power product.
Return the Monster Power product, shipping prepaid, to Monster for verification of damage, along with
a copy of your sales receipt for your Monster Power product, completed Connected Equipment Claim
Form, and Return Authorization number printed on the outside of the package.
Monster will evaluate the claim to see if it falls within the warranty guidelines.
Once the claim has been evaluated, Monster will direct you to:
Obtain a repair estimate from an authorized service center; or Send the connected equipment to
Monster for repair; or, Reimburse you for the fair market value of the damaged connected equipment.
If a repair estimate is required, as stated in Section 7Aabove, you will be instructed on how to properly
submit paper work to Monster for reimbursement.
Note: Compensation for or restoration of data loss is not covered. If you have any questions regarding this
claim procedure, call 877/800-8989.
Selected Monster Power Connected Equipment Warranty Comparison Chart
Product
AV600
AV800RP
HT700HP
HT800HP
HTS400HP
HTS800HP
HTS1000
HTS2000
HTS2500
HTS3500
HTS5000
AV200
HT200
SW200
Equipment Insurance
$10,000
$25,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
CEG = Connected Equipment Guarantee
Product Warranty
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
5 year product, 5 year CEG
5 year product, 5 year CEG
5 year product, 5 year CEG
5 year product, 5 year CEG
5 year product, 5 year CEG
Lifetime Product, 5 year CEG
Lifetime Product, 5 year CEG
Lifetime Product, 5 year CEG
11
Chapter Three: P roduct Profiles
CHAPTER THREE:
Selected Product
Profiles
Monster Cable P roducts, Inc .
455 Valley Drive Brisbane, CA 94005
415-840-2000
www.monstercable.com
AVS2000 Automatic Voltage Stabilizer - $1499.95
MONSTER Home Theatre
Automatic Voltage Stabilizer
AVS 2000
• Stabilizes Voltage the Best Possible Home Theater Performance
• Provides consistent 120V output when AC input fluctuates
anywhere from 80-140V.
• Three digital meters for monitoring of incoming voltage, amperage
draw, and voltage correction.
• Automatically protects connected equipment in the event of
extended over-voltage.
• 4 switched and 2 un-switched 24k gold plated contacts on
grounded plug for maximum conductivity.
• Accepts 3 to 30 volt triggers for remote turn-on capability in
custom installations.
• Size: 17" W x 13 3/4" d x 7 3/4" h - 58 lbs.
• Heavy-duty, 8 ft. Monster PowerLine™ 300 cable for optimum
power delivery.
HTS5000 Reference Power Center - $599.95
MONSTER Reference
PowerCenter™ HTS5000
• Featuring Programmable Outlets, Clean Power Stage 4 Filtering
and Five Separate Filters for clean Sound and Picture
• Monster Clean Power™ Stage 4 application-specific filters, for
high and low power components.
• Monster Clean Power™ Stage 4 digital filter for minimum jitter
• Trigger Out switch determines whether 12v remote trigger
powers ext. component immediately or with delay.
• Incremental volt meter with adjustable illumination monitors
incoming AC power fluctuations.
• All outlets are fully programmable to be switched, switched with
delay, or unswitched.
• Ultra-high 2775 joule rating.
• Extra-long 8 ft. PowerLine™ power cord with high density double
shielding for maximum power transfer.
• 2 unswitched outlets on front panel for easy quick easy hookup
of additional equipment.
• Sequenced AC power turn-on and turnoff for equipment
protection and overload prevention.
12
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
HTS5000 Reference Power Center - $599.95
Monster Power Reference
PowerCenter™ HTS2500
• Offers High Performance Hookup of Home Theatre Components
to AC Power Providing Sequential Turn-On, Monster Clean
Power™ Stage 2 Filtering and Full Surge Protection For
Connected Equipment
• Monster Clean Power™ Stage 2 filtering for the highest quality
sound and picture.
• $100,000 guaranteed connected equipment protection and
lifetime warranty.
• Protects coax lines used with cable TV and DSS equipment.
• 1850 joule rating provides highest level of surge absorption.
• Extra-long 8ft. Monster PowerLine® 200 cable maximizes high
current capacity and hookup flexibility.
• Includes Monster Internet® Cable and SV1F-1M coax cable with
• 24k gold contact connectors.
• 2 switched/timed outlets for sequenced power turn-on.
• Three patented, discrete filter sections (ultra-high current audio,
video, low current audio).
• Component-width chassis suitable for rackmounting or stacking
(rack “ears” included).
• Dual Mode Protection provides audible and visual alarms for
maximum protection.
• 10 outlets, 3 coax, 1 phone, Clean Power™
HTS1000 Reference Power Center - $199.95
Monster Power Reference
PowerCenter™ HTS1000
• Offers Hookup of Electronic Components to AC Power Providing
Monster Clean Power™ and Surge Protection for AC Power Lines
and multiple DSS, DBS or Cable TV Coax Sources
• Monster Clean Power™ Stage 2 application-specific filters, for
high and low power components.
• $100,000 guaranteed connected equipment protection and lifetime
warranty.
• Protects coax lines used with cable-TV and DSS from surge
pulses.
• 1665 joule rating provides highest level of surge absorption.
• 8 ft. Monster PowerLine® 200 cable with high current capacity.
• Includes Monster Internet® Cable and SV1F-1M coax cable with
24k gold contact connectors.
• Switched and un-switched outlets.
• 12 outlets, 3 coax, 1 phone, Clean Power™
13
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
High Performance Subwoofer PowerCenter™ SW200 With Line
Level RCA and Surge Protection - $59.95
• For High Performance AC Power Hookup of Subwoofer or other
Powered Speaker Systems
• Maximum 1110 joule surge protection for both subwoofer signal lines
and AC power outlets.
• Compact, cordless construction plugs directly into wall outlet.
• 24k gold contact grounded plug for maximum conductivity.
• Audible alarm lets you know if PowerCenter has sacrificed its life.
• $50,000 Connected Equipment Warranty.
• Monster Clean Power stage 1 v2.0 AC noise filtering for improved
subwoofer performance.
• 2 outlets, RCA connections
Home Theatre PowerCenter™ HT200 - $49.95
• For Hookup of Components to AC Power Providing Optimized
Monster Clean Power,and Surge Protection for Home Theatre
• $50,000 Connected Equipment Warranty.
• Protects coax lines used for TV and DSS from surge pulses.
• 24k gold contacts deliver optimal power transfer.
• Monster Clean Power™ Stage 1 v2.0 AC noise filtering for better
sound and picture.
• Visual indicator notifies you of protection status.
• Audible alarm lets you know if PowerCenter has sacrificed its life to
save your equipment.
• Maximum 1110 joule surge protection.
• Compact, cordless construction plugs directly into wall outlet.
• 2 outlets, 1 coax and Clean Power™ 2.0
MONSTER Audio Video PowerCenter™ AV200 - $39.95
• For Hookup of Electronic Components to AC Power
• Providing Optimized Monster Clean Power™ and Surge Protection
for AC Power Lines
• Maximum surge protection for both AC power outlets.
• Compact, cordless construction plugs directly into wall outlet.
• 24k gold contact grounded plug for maximum conductivity.
• Monster Clean Power stage 1 filter eliminates damaging AC power
interference.
• $50,000 Connected Equipment Warranty
• Audible surge alarm and visual indicator alerts you to protection
status.
• 2 Outlets, Wall mount surge protection
14
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
Tripp Lite Worldwide, 1111 W. 35th
St., Chicago IL 60609 US A
773-869-1111
www.tripplite.com
diagnostic LEDs, and built-in surge and noise
suppression.
TrippLite LCR2400 Line Conditioner,
Retail - $499.00
• Tripp Lite's LC 2400 Line Conditioner provides
automatic voltage regulation up to 2,400 watts of
voltage regulation correct brownouts and
overvoltages (87 to 140 volts) back to computergrade 120 volt AC. The unit has 6 outlets, 6-ft. cord,
• 2,400 watts output power rating; 600 joules of
energy absorption
• 6 protected outlets; 6-ft. cord
• 4 levels of automatic voltage regulation (AVR);
voltage correction range of 87 to 140 volts
• Complete surge protection and EMI/RFI noise
filtering
• $25,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance - No warranty
cards required for coverage!
• Isolated filter banks eliminate interference between
connected equipment
• 7 diagnostic LEDs indicate input voltage (very
high, high, normal, low, very low), line fault & line
OK
TrippLite Super 10 DBS - $89.95
• 10 outlets (2 unswitched) with child safety covers
• 10-ft. cord with space-saving right-angle plug
• 2 built-in sets of Type F coax jacks for cable/satellite equipment
• High Speed Modem/Fax Protection - Two Built-in RJ11 jacks
• $50,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance covers connected equipment
• Surge energy absorption: 2,100 joules; 97,000 amps
• 15 amp circuit breaker
• 3-Year expanded DBS/LNB Warranty
• 3 diagnostic LEDs indicate AC present, line fault & protection present
• EMI/RFI noise filtering
• UL 1449 (Rev. '98) Rating: 330V
• Protection Modes: Line to Neutral, Line to Ground and Neutral to Ground
• Clamping Voltage: 140 Volts
• Housing Construction Material: Plastic
• Unit Dimensions (inches): 2 x 3.5 x 10.75
• Overload Protection: 15 amp resettable circuit
• Warranty (US/Canada: $50,000.00
• Lifetime product warranty
15
Chapter Three: P roduct Profiles
SPECIFICATIONS:
Tripp-Lite Isobar 6 DBS - $119.95
• 6 outlets with child safety covers
• 6-ft. cord with space-saving right-angle plug
• Surge energy absorption: 2,850 joules; 92,000 amps
• 2 built-in sets of Type F coax jacks prevent surges
from damaging your cable/satellite equipment
• Built-in RJ11 jacks prevent surges from damaging
your modem/fax/phone equipment; 6-ft. telephone cord
included
• Isolated filter banks eliminate interference between
connected equipment
• All-metal black housing
• $50,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance covers
connected equipment - No warranty cards required for
coverage!
• 5-Year expanded DBS/LNB Warranty
• 3 diagnostic LEDs indicate AC present, line fault &
protection present
• EMI/RFI noise filtering
• Outlet spacing accommodates transformers without
blocking remaining outlets
• Lifetime product warranty
Nominal Voltage/Frequency: 120V 50/60Hz
Outlets: 6
Input Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
90 Degree Angle Plug: Yes
Cord Length: 6 ft.
On/Off Power Switch: Lighted 2 position rocker
Joule Rating: 2850
Maximum Surge Current (Amps): 92000.0
UL 1449 (Rev. '98) Rating: 330 Volts
Protection Modes: Line to Neutral, Line to Ground and
Neutral to Ground
IEEE 587 Category A Let Through Rating (NM): < 35V
Clamping Voltage: 140 Volts RMS
Response Time (CM/NM): NM=0 ns. CM = < 1 ns.
Isolated Filter Banks
3
Housing Construction Material: Heavy Gauge
Aluminum
Unit Dimensions (inches): 2.5 x 9 x 3.5
Format: Surge suppression strip with duplex outlet
layout
Keyhole Supports for Mounting: Yes
Overload Protection: 12 amp resettable circuit breaker
Line Noise Filtering Rating: UL1283
Temporary Power Tap Rating: UL1363
Immunity: IEEE 587 Cat. A + B
Warranty (US/Canada): $50,000.00
Warranty Duration: Lifetime
Replacement Duration: Lifetime
High Speed Modem/Fax Protection: One set of RJ11
jacks
Type F Coax Protection: Two sets of two coax jacks
Trip-Lite ISOBLOK 2-0 - $48.00
• Diagnostic LED indicates protection
present
• EMI/RFI noise filtering
• • Model Number: ISOBLOK 2-0
• Nominal Voltage/Frequency: 120V
50/60Hz
• Outlets: 2
• Unswitched Outlets: 2
• Input Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
• On/Off Power Switch: no
• Joule Rating: 600
• Maximum Surge Current (Amps):
48000.0
• Protection Modes: Line to Neutral,
Line to Ground and Neutral to Ground
• Clamping Voltage: 140 Volts RMS
• Response Time (CM/NM): NM=0 ns.
CM = < 1 ns.
• Housing Construction Material:
Plastic
• Unit Dimensions (inches): 4x2.5x2.5
• Format: Direct Plug In
• Overload Protection: No
• Immunity: IEEE 587 Cat. A + B
• Connected Equipment Warranty
(US/Canada): $10,000.00
• Warranty Duration: Lifetime
• Replacement Duration: Lifetime
16
Chapter Three: P roduct Profiles
SPECIFICATIONS:
ISOTEL 8 Ultra Multimedia - $134.95
• 8 outlets with child safety covers
• 12-ft. cord with space-saving right-angle plug
• Surge energy absorption: 2,850 joules; 92,000 A
• Built-in RJ11 jacks prevent surges from damaging
your modem/fax/phone equipment; 6-ft. telephone
cord included.
• Isolated filter banks eliminate interference between
connected equipment
• All-metal housing won't burn, crack, or melt.
• $50,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance covers
connected equipment - No warranty cards required
for coverage!
• 3 diagnostic LEDs indicate AC present, line fault &
protection present
• EMI/RFI noise filtering
• Logical outlet spacing accommodates transformers
without blocking remaining outlets
• Lifetime product warranty
Model Number: ISOTEL 8 Ultra Multimedia
Nominal Voltage/Frequency: 120V 50/60Hz
Outlet: 8
90 Degree Angle Plug: Yes
Cord Length: 12 ft.
On/Off Power Switch: Lighted 2 position rocker
Joule Rating: 2850
Maximum Surge Current (Amps): 92000.0
UL 1449 (Rev. '98) Rating: 330 Volts
Protection Modes: Line to Neutral, Line to Ground
and Neutral to Ground
IEEE 587 Category A Let Through (NM): < 35V
Clamping Voltage: 140 Volts RMS
Response Time (CM/NM) NM=0 ns. CM = < 1 ns.
Isolated Filter Banks: 4
Housing Material: Heavy Gauge Aluminum
Unit Dimensions (inches): 2.5 x 9 x 3.5
Format: Surge suppression strip with duplex outlets
Keyhole Supports for Mounting: Yes
Overload Protection: 12 A resettable circuit breaker
Line Noise Filtering Rating: UL1283
Temporary Power Tap Rating: UL1363
Phone Communications Rating: UL 497A
Communications Interference Rating: FCC Part 68
Immunity: IEEE 587 Cat. A + B
Warranty (US/Canada): $50,000.00
Warranty Duration: Lifetime
Replacement Duration: Lifetime
High Speed Modem/Fax Protection
SK 6-0 Spike Block
Model Number: SK 6-0
Nominal Voltage/Frequency: 120V
50/60Hz
Outlets: 6
Unswitched Outlets: 6
Input Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
Cord Length: Direct Plug In
On/Off Power Switch: no
Joule Rating: 360
Maximum Surge Current (Amps):
27000.0
Protection Modes: Line to Neutral, Line
to Ground and Neutral to Ground
Clamping Voltage: 40 Volts RMS
Response Time (CM/NM): NM/CM = <
1 ns.
Housing Construction Material: Plastic
Unit Dimensions (inches): 4.25 x 3.5 x
1.25
Format Direct Plug In
Overload Protection: No
Immunity: IEEE 587 Cat. A + B
Replacement Duration: 2 Years
• Retail: $14.95
17
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
18
Hospital
Receptacles
any home theater installers are using “Hospital
Receptacles” in their installations. These are actually
referred to as Surge Suppression Receptacles by the
electrical contracting trade but have taken on the slang
“hospital receptacles” because that’s where most people see
the orange colored versions.
M
Leviton Surge Suppression Receptacles
The advantage to using these receptacles is that surge suppession is built in and this makes external surge suppressors
unnecessary in many applications. One should note that the surge suppression built into these receptacles is generally
MOV-based and not a substitute for heavy duty external surge suppression devices. For example, these would be just
fine for outlets that power inexpensive components. For things like your new DWIN Transvision, it would be best to
invest in an external suppression device.
Leviton’s suppression receptacles come in standard and decora version and in a variety of colors. They feature
a monitor/indicator LED that shows the condition of the device at a glance: Steady green LED means the unit is
powered and protection is active. If transient protection is lost, the alert will sound and the green LED indicator light will
go out. The alert tone can be silenced, but not reset. These devices are available in both 15 and 20 Amp single and
duplex versions. All Leviton Surge Suppressor Receptacles provide downstreamsurge suppression though protection
diminishes with length of wire run.
Chapter Three: P roduct Profiles
Niles Audio Corpor ation
12331 SW 130 Street,
Miami, FL 33186
800-289-4434
www.nilesaudio.com
IPC-8Pro Microprocessor Controlled Power
Management System
• Two Always On, four Switched, two programmable
Delayed outlets
• Switched and Delayed outlets can be turned on by
the front panel switch or 3-30V trigger input
• Delayed outlet pair is programmable for 2, 4, 8, 16 or
32 second delay
• Two 3-30V trigger inputs and one bus trigger output
• 5 segment LED line voltage display
• Front panel indicators for Ground OK, Line OK
and Switched/Delayed Outlets On
• Over and under voltage protection
• Patent pending i3™ three stage non-sacrificial
protection circuitry
• Response time: instantaneous
• Energy dissipation: 1550 Joules
• Clamps at a mere 40V over peak standard line
voltage (ANSI/IEEE 100 kHz Ring Wave Test)
• iQ™ optimal Q impulse noise filtration; 60dB (99.9%)
peak
• Proprietary iDefinition™ constant impedance HDTVready coax circuitry
• Machined, gold-plated F-connectors with Teflon®
dielectric
• Includes 12V, 200mAremote trigger power supply
• Includes one quad shielded RG-6 cable with goldplated connectors
• Optional rack-mount kit
• $100,000 Connected Equipment Guarantee*
• Limited Lifetime Warranty*
• Dimensions: 17" wide x 2-3/8" high (includes feet) x
12-1/2" deep
• Net weight: approximately 9 lbs. 3 oz.
• UL1449 2nd Edition Listed
• Retail: $349.95
19
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
IPC-12 Microprocessor Controlled Power
Management System
• Any outlet pair can be programmed as Always On,
Switched or Delayed
• Switched and Delayed outlets can be turned on by
the front panel switch or 3-30V trigger input
• Each pair of Delayed outlets is programmable for
delays of 1 to 99 seconds
• Two 3-30V trigger inputs and one bus trigger
output
• Front panel indicators for Ground OK, Line OK and
Switched/Delayed Outlets On
• Over and under voltage protection
• Patent pending i3™ three stage non-sacrificial
protection circuitry
• Response time: instantaneous
• Energy dissipation: 1550 Joules
• Clamps at a mere 40V over peak standard line
voltage (ANSI/IEEE 100 kHz Ring Wave Test)
• iQ™ optimal Q impulse noise filtration; 60dB
(99.9%) peak
• Proprietary iDefinition™ constant impedance,
HDTV-ready coax circuitry
• Digital line voltage display
• Machined, gold-plated F-connectors with Teflon®
dielectric
• Includes 12V, 200mA remote trigger power supply
• Includes three quad shielded RG-6 cables with
gold-plated connectors and one RJ-11 phone cable
• Optional rack-mount kit
• $100,000 Connected Equipment Guarantee*
• Limited Lifetime Warranty*
• Dimensions: 17" wide x 4-1/8" high (includes feet)
x 12-1/2" deep
• Net weight: approximately 11 lbs. 4 oz.
• UL1449 2nd Edition Listed
• Retail: $499.95
20
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
AC-8DSS+ iPower Strip
• Ergonomically designed for floor or wall mounting
• Transformer spaced outlets: Two Always On, Two
Switched, and Four Triggered
• Switched outlets are turned on by the front panel
switch; Triggered outlets activated by 12V inputs
• Two 12V trigger inputs and one bus trigger output
• LED indicators for Ground OK;
Line OK and Switched Outlets On
• Response time: instantaneous
• Patent pending i3™ three stage non-sacrificial
protection circuitry
• Energy dissipation: 1550 Joules
• Clamps at a mere 40V over peak standard line
voltage (ANSI/IEEE 100 kHz Ring Wave Test)
• iQ™ optimal Q impulse noise filtration; 60dB
(99.9%) peak
• Proprietary iDefinition™ constant impedance,
HDTV ready coax circuitry
• Machined, gold-plated F-connectors with Teflon®
dielectric
• Includes two quad shielded RG-6 cables with goldplated connectors and one RJ-11 Cable
• Includes 12V, 200mA remote trigger power supply
• $50,000 Connected Equipment Guarantee*
• Limited Lifetime Warranty*
• Dimensions: 8-1/4" wide x 7-3/8" high x 2-1/2" deep
• Net weight: approximately 4 lbs.
• Pending UL1449 2nd Edition Listing
• Retail: $229.95
21
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
22
Whole House
Protection
o far in this design guide we have covered
power protection from the viewpoint of adding
devices at the receptacle end of branch
circuits. This, of course, is the easiest way to add
power protection to your house and home theater
room. For more industrial strength power protection,
several companies make “Whole House” power
protection devices that are designed to be hardwired
in right next to the house’s breaker box. The
diagram below illustrates this. One the following two
pages we profile several whole house panel
mounted power protection devices manufactured by
S
Leviton corporation. Needless to say, adding one of
these to your house is a job for a professional
electrician.
Want more? On page 49 we illustrate the ultimate in
power protection for a facility. Not only is the breaker
box protected, power protection devices are located
at the receptacle ends of all the branch circuits. Is
this overkill? Maybe not, if you have several
thousand dollars of home theater equipment this
approach my be the best insurance you can get.
Chapter Three: P roduct Profiles
LEVITON
23
Chapter Three: P roduct Profiles
24
Chapter Three: P roduct Profiles
Images Courtesy of TrippLite, Inc.
Whole House P ower Protection
Images Courtesy of Leviton
25
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
Other Power Management Companies
ADCOM, a well known name in the high-end audio
industry, offers the ACE-515 AC conditioner ($200).
Designed by their ace electrical engineer, Victor Campos,
the ACE-515 provides full, multiple-stage transient
protection, a 15A rear-mounted circuit breaker and seven
outlets; six switched and one unswitched. The unit also
features RFI/EMI filtering of both common and traverse
mode noise (-40dB at 150Khz) and clamps input
transients to 390 Volts. The ACE-515 also offers
sequential timing for high current draw components.
ADCOM, 11 Elkins Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
(908)390-1130
AUDIO POWER INDUSTRIES offers an extensive line of
power management and conditioning products. Their
Power Pack line is their entry-level product. The Power
Pack II ($229) is offers six outlets, multistage transient
protection and EMI/RFI filtering on two outlets. The Power
Pack V ($529) is rack mountable version with a front panel
voltage meter, 12 outlets, and a total power capacity of 15
Amps. API’s premium power management products are in
the The Power Wedge line. Power Wedges 113 ($669)
and 113A ($689) have seven outlets (Four- switched high
current, one -unswitched 270W isolated for video
monitors, and two-unswitched)are designed specifically
video products and have a power capability of 1200 watts.
Power wedge 114 ($549) and 116 ($669) are designed to
handle mid-size systems and offer multiple isolated
outlets. Audio Power's top-of-the-line model is their Power
Wedge 1118 ($1279). It has 18 outlets (six-unswitched,
six-switched, five-switched high current, one-300W
unswitched for video monitors), a AC volt meter and
remote turn on/off capability.
Audio Power Industries, 2624 South Rousselle St., Santa
Ana, CA 92707 (714)545- 9495
CURRENT DESIGNS offers a single power protection
product but it’s a great one. The PC-8 PLUS is specifically
designed for full home theater protection. First, it offers
high quality AC surge (Transient) suppression and
RFI/EMI with multiple stages. It also has voltage sensing
circuits that shuts down the entire system if it senses over
voltage (130V) or undervoltage (85V) conditions. The PC8 PLUS also offers full RFI/EMI isolation of it’s eight of it's
rear mounted outlets. Lastly, the PC-8 PLUS is a fully
programmable sequencer. It offers a user-adjustable turnon delay (0 to 90 seconds) for it’s eight outlets with the
timing on the power up sequence easily monitored via
front-panel, bi-color LEDs. If one has an elaborate home
theater installation, one can custom program the PC-8
26
Plus not only to power up all components for minimum
current draw but also for sequencing of accessories like
screen lowering and drape actuation. The PC-8 Plus
retails for $699.95.
Current Designs, 300 Prospect Avenue #2B, Hackensack,
NJ 07601 (201)342-1235
FURMAN AUDIO offers a line of 10 power management
devices. There are three rack-mounted PRO series
models rated for 2400 watts. Each offers multiple levels of
protection, RF filtering and 400 volt suppressed voltage
rating. The PL-PRO ($399) is similar but includes an AC
voltmeter. For home theater applications, Furman offers
their PL-8 ($159) and PL-PLUS ($229) power managers.
These devices offer eight accessory outlets on the rear, an
internal circuit breaker and a 250 Volt suppressed voltage
rating. The AR-1215 ($599) is Furman's best selling power
product and has a built-in voltage regulator to deliver a
stable 120 volts to connected equipment. It has eight
outlets on the back, one on the front and offers a 15 Amp
capacity. It filters RFI/EMI with a 3 pole filter, and clamps
incoming transients to just 200 volts.
Furman Sound, Inc. 1997 South McDonald Blvd.,
Petaluma, CA 94954 (707)763-1010
LIBERTY is well known in the home theater field for it's
high quality cables and interconnects. A new division of
Liberty, Liberty Power Protection Group, offers a
comprehensive line of individual protection devices for
home theater enthusiasts. Their power line products offer
an unusual difference. Most transient protectors work on
Envelope Clamping. This means that a transient
suppression component, such as a zener diode, clamps
an incoming impulse to a set voltage limit, say 330 volts
above or below ground. Liberty PowerTrax products all
offer Sine Wave Tracking technology that clamps to a
voltage referenced to the incoming power phase. This
reduces transients to 330 volts regardless of the phase of
the incoming power and is said to further reduce the effect
of transients on circuitry.
Liberty offers several versions of it's sine wave tracking
powerstrips, the two top ones, the P 1500ET ($75.99) and
P1500 ($105.99), offer multistage transient suppression,
EMI/RFI filtering, 8 component outlets and are UL 1449
certified, 330 Volt suppressed voltage rating. Liberty also
has a line of hardwired power line filters and UPSs for the
custom installer.
Liberty Power Protection Group, 1110 Elkton Dr. Suite 6,
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(800)260-0061
Chapter Three: Product Profiles
MUSICAL INTERFACE TECHNOLOGIES (MIT), a
company well known for their high-end cables and
interconnects, offers their Z series of power management
products. The Z-Stabilizer MKII ($995) is a power line
device that provides transient protection and high level RF
and audio frequency noise attenuation. The Z-Isostrip
($1095) is a combined dual isolation and power strip. The
Z-Center ($1495) contains the Z-Stabilizer, the Z-Isolator
and the Z-Strip all in one package. The recently introduced
Z-Controller is a genuine power line conditioner that also
combines the functions of Z-Stabilizer, the Z-Isolator and
the Z-Strip.
Music Interface Technologies, CVTL, Inc., 1037 Grass
Valley Hwy., Ste 8212, Auburn, CA 95602 (916)888-0394
NEWPOINT offers an extensive array of surge protectors
designed to protect a wide variety of electronic devices.
Their entry level A/V surge protector, the AV100C ($69.95)
provides power to 7 devices and has protection devices on
all three legs of the AC power supply. The next model up,
the DBS 75 ($89.95), is similar to the AV100C but adds
telephone line surge protection. This protects phone lines
connected to your home theater for pay-for-view or other
phone delivered services. The DBS100P ($99.95) includes
an audible alarm to warm you of problems. The top-of-the
-line DBS500 ($199.95) protects home theater systems
Newpoint Corporation, 6730 Nancy Ridge Dr., San Diego,
CA 92121 800-639-7646
PANAMAX is perhaps the most widely distributed power
conditioning line in consumer electronics. You will find their
product at mass merchandisers and speciality A/V dealers
alike. Their A/V and satellite product line consists of many
models. A good entry level surge suppressor is the COAX
MAX6 ($129). This device offers six AC outlets, protection
for one coax line and can supply 1800 watts of power. The
next step up is the MAX 500 ($199) which is a similar
device but in a rack mountable enclosure. The MAX 500
DBS adds another two protected coax lines for DSS or
multi-antenna systems. The top shelf unit is the MAX
1000+ ($299). It includes all the features of the MAX 500
series but adds sequential power up, improved EMI/RFI
filtering, auto shutoff and over/under voltage shutoff.
PANAMAX, 150 Mitchell Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94903
(800)472-5555
SL WABER, one of the original power management
device companies, offers a number of products for the
home theater enthusiast. Their DataGard™ series includes
three devices. The SS6 ($79.95) offers a multistage
transient suppressor, with MOVs, gas discharge tubes,
27
and avalanche diodes, in a compact package with six
accessory outlets. The SS6T ($89.95) is similar but adds
phone line protection, the SS6T-PLUS ($119.95) adds yet
another level of transient protection (to yield a suppressor
with five levels of protection) and EMI/RFI filtering among
the outlets. All of the DataGard products are UL certified
and come with a lifetime guarantee with $25,000 to cover
connected products.
SL WABER also offers five power conditioner/voltage
regulators. Rated for 300VA to 2400VA, their PC line all
include 3 stage transient protection, EMI/RFI filtering and
are fully UL rated.
New to the SL Waber lineup is their PowerMaster Digital
Satellite Series. The series includes three devices all of
which are UL rated. The DSS1 ($49.95) offers a multistage
transient suppressor, with MOVs, gas discharge tubes,
and avalanche diodes, in a black plastic housing with six
accessory outlets and phone line protection. The DSS2
($69.95) is similar but a protected coax loop, the DSS3
($79.95) adds another coax loop. All of the DataGard
products meet ULs 1449 330V suppressed voltage rating
and come with a lifetime guarantee with $25,000 to cover
connected products.
SL Waber, 520 Fellowship Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
(800)634-1485
TICE AUDIO was one of the first companies to develop
power conditioning products for high end A/V use. Their
products are divided into three lines: The Solo Series, the
Elite Series and the top-of-the-line Power Block Series.
The Solo Audio Video Power Conditioner™ ($399) offers
eight outlets with a combined power rating of 1875 watts.
All three legs of the power are fully protected for transients
and block incoming RFI/EMI noise. The Elite A/V Power
Conditioner™ series is rack mountable and offers a frontmounted AC voltage meter. With outlets for 16
components these devices
The Power Block III "Signature Series" power conditioner
($1499) is designed for the serious home theater
enthusiast. It has 16 rear mounted AC power outlets with a
combined capacity of up to 1875 watts . It is an unusual
piece in that it is upgradeable and expandable. You can
order it with the Power Block III "HP" option for use with
big power amplifiers (increases the power capability to
2500 watts), a "TM" option for high-power video displays,
the "S" option for a silver faceplate and various other
options for AC outlet styles.
Tice Audio Products, Inc., 1530 Cypress Drive, Suite C,
Jupiter, FL 33469 (561)575-7577
Glossar y
28
Branch Circuit – A discrete division of a load that is
protected by one fuse or breaker.
Breaker – Short for circuit breaker.
Power
Management
Glossary
Alternating Current – Electrical current which reverses
direction periodically, expressed in hertz or cycles per
second. Abbreviated AC.
Ampere – The quantitative unit measurement of electrical
current. Abbreviated Amp or A.
Amperage – A term synonymous with current; used in
describing electrical current.
Apparent Power – The load power as expressed in VA or
kVA. This value is usually greater than real power or
watts, due to circuit reactance. This reactance causes the
timing between the voltage and current to vary. Device
sizing must be in accordance with Volts times Amps rather
than in Watts, since Voltamperes is the apparent load
seen by the power-handling device.
Arc – Sparking generated when current flows between
two points of different potential, due to leakage through
the intervening insulator.
Arrester – A device placed from phase to ground whose
nonlinear impedance characteristics provide a path for
high-amplitude transients.
Autotransformer – A transformer that uses common turns
for both the primary and secondary windings, thus
providing no isolation for the input from the output.
Balance – A term used to describe the even distribution of
loads on the legs of a three-phase system.
Battery – A group of cells connected in such a way that
more current and/or voltage is delivered than from one
single cell.
Blackout – The total loss of commercial electrical power.
Sometimes refers to the length of time that the power
must be off to bring the computer down. Used
synonymously with Outage.
Brownout – A long-duration under-voltage condition,
usually hours or days in length. Brownouts can be caused
by heavy usage during peak hours, or they may be
planned as an energy conservation strategy.
Building Service Entry – That point where commercial
power enters the building.
Bus – A heavy, rigid conductor. Often equipped with
screws or some other means by which a number of
smaller conductors can be connected to it. Also called a
bus bar.
Capacitance – A term referring to the electrical properties
of a capacitor or to a circuit that displays capacitor-like
behavior.
Capacitor – A discrete electrical device which has two
electrodes and an intervening insulator, which is called the
dielectric.
Choke – A form of inductor which is constructed to allow
desirable frequency signals to pass while acting with high
impedance to other signals at some undesirable
frequency.
Circuit Breaker – A resettable device that responds to a
preset level of excess current flow by opening the circuit,
thereby preventing damage to circuit elements.
Clamping Voltage - The (peak) voltage occurring on a
conductor, measured at the output of a Surge Protection
Device (the point connected to the load/device being
protected), to either the ground or neutral conductor.
Coax – A cable constructed by using two concentric
conductors separated by an insulator.
Core – The iron structure of a transformer around which
the windings are wound. A choke also has a core but
does not act as a transformer.
Core Saturation – That point at which the iron material,
the core, of an inductor or transformer will no longer
produce more lines of flux when current flow through the
windings is increased.
CSA – An abbreviation for the Canadian Standards
Association. This is a Canadian safety assurance agency
similar to the Underwriter ’s Laboratories.
Current – The flow of electricity in a circuit as express in
amperes. Current refers to the quantity or intensity of
Glossar y
electrical flow. Voltage, on the other hand, refers to the
pressure or force causing the electrical flow.
current passing through it exceeds the rated value of the
fuse.
Cycles Per Second – This term describes the frequency
of alternating current. Frequency is more properly
described using the term "hertz", which is synonymous
with cycles per second.
Ground – A general term that refers to the point at which
other portions of a circuit are referenced when making
measurements. Power-systems grounding is that point to
which the neutral conductor, safety ground, and building
ground are connected. This grounding electrode may be
a water pipe, driven ground rod, or the steel frame of the
building.
Decibel (dB) - One-tenth of a bel, the number of decibels
denoting the ration of the two amounts of power being ten
times the logarithm to the base 10 of this ratio. (Power dB
=10 Log 10 (Power out /Power in ), Voltage dB =20 Log
10 (Voltage out /Voltage in )
Direct Current – Electrical current which flows
consistently in one direction. Abbreviated DC.
Distortion – The waveshape of a signal that is not normal
is distorted. Distortion is a term that describes abnormal
waveshapes.
Distribution – The way in which power is routed to
various current-using sites or devices. Outside the
building, distribution refers to the process of routing power
from the power plant to the users. Inside the building,
distribution is the process of using feeders and circuits to
provide power to devices.
Dropout – A total loss of voltage for a short period of time.
Electromagnetic Interference – A term that describes
electrically induced noise or transients. Abbreviated EMI.
Ferroresonance – When an iron-core inductor is part of an
LC circuit and it is driven into saturation, causing its
inductive reactance to increase to equal the capacitive
reactance of the circuit, this action is called
ferroresonance.
Ferroresonant Transformer – A transformer that uses the
principle of ferroresonance to regulate the output voltage.
Filter – An electronic device which opposes the passage
of a certain frequency band while allowing other
frequencies to pass. Filters are designed to produce four
different results. A high-pass filter allows all signals above
a given frequency to pass. A low-pass filter allows only
frequencies below a given frequency to pass. A bandpass
filter allows a given band of frequencies to pass while
attenuating all others. A trap filter allows all frequencies to
pass but acts as a high-impedance device to the tuned
frequency of the filter.
Flashover – Arcing that is caused by the breakdown of
insulation between two conductors where a high current
flow exists, with a high potential difference between the
conductors.
Fuse – A device that automatically self-destructs when the
29
Grounded Conductor: Another name for the neutral
conductor. A conductor which is intentionally ground-ed,
either solidly or through a non-interrupting current limiting
device.
Grounded Conductor–(NEC): The conductor that is used
to connect the equipment or the wiring system
with a grounding circuit to a grounding electrode or
electrodes.
Ground Fault – An undesired path that allows current to
flow from a line to ground.
Ground Loop – The condition of having two or more
ground references in a common system. When two or
more grounds have a potential difference between them,
current can flow. This flow of current is a new circuit or
loop which can interfere with the normal operation of the
system.
Harmonic – A frequency that is a multiple of the
fundamental frequency. For example, 120 Hz is the
second harmonic of 60 Hz, 180 Hz is the third harmonic,
and so forth.
Harmonic Distortion – Excessive harmonic content that
distorts the normal sinusoidal waveform is harmonic
distortion. This can cause overheating of circuit elements
and might appear to a device as data-corrupting noise.
Hertz – A term describing the frequency of alternating
current. The term, hertz, is synonymous with cycles per
second. Abbreviated Hz.
Impedance – Measured in ohms, impedance is the total
opposition to current flow in a circuit where alternating
current is flowing. This includes inductive reactance,
capacitive reactance, and resistance. Symbol is Z.
Impulse – A disturbance of the voltage waveform that is
less than about one millisecond. Voltages can rise to
hundreds or even thousands of volts in a very short period
of time. An impulse may be additive or subtractive.
(Sometimes called a notch.)
Inductance – This term describes the electrical properties
of a coil of wire and its resultant magnetic field when an
alternating current is passed through it. This interaction
Glossar y
offers an impedance to current flow, thereby causing the
current waveform to lag behind the voltage waveform.
This results in what’s known as a lagging power factor.
Inductor – A discrete circuit element which has the
property of inductance. It should be noted that at very
high radio frequencies, a straight wire or a path on a
printed-circuit board can ct as an inductor.
Induced Current: (General) — Current in a conductor
due to the application of a time-varying electromagnetic
field.
Induced Voltage: (General) — A voltage produced
around a closed path or circuit by change in magnetic flux
linking that path.
Induced Voltage: (Lightning Strokes) —The voltage
induced on a network or electric installation by an indirect
stroke.
Inrush – A term used to describe the high-current demand
of a device when it is initially turned on, due to a low load
impedance before the device has reached its normal
operating value.
Inverter – The subassembly of a UPS that converts DC
power into AC power.
Isolation – The degree to which a device can separate
the electrical environment of its input from its output, while
allowing the desired transmission to pass across the
separation.
Isolated Equipment Ground - An insulated equipment
grounding conductor run in the same conduit or raceway
as the supply conductors. This conductor is insulated from
the metallic raceway and all ground points throughout its
length. It originates at an isolated ground type receptacle
or equipment input terminal block and terminates at the
point where neutral and ground are bonded at the power
source. (This term is defined more specifically in the NEC
(2), Section 250-74 and 250-75).
Isolation Transformers - Provides a local ground
reference point. Attenuates common-mode disturbances
on thepower supply conductors.
Joule - The work done when the point of application of a
force of one newton is displaced a distance of one meter
in the direction of the force. (A newton is that force when
applied to body having a mass of one kilogram, gives it an
acceleration of one meter per second squared.)
Leakage Current: (Health Care Facilities) - This is any
current, including capacitively coupled current, not
intended to be applied to a patient but which may be
conveyed from exposed metal parts of an appliance to
30
ground or to other accessible part of an appliance.
Linear Load - An electrical load device which, in steady
state operation presents an essentially constant load
impedance to the power source throughout the cycle of
applied voltage.
Junction Box – A metal box inside which electrical
connections are made. Also called a J-Box.
Kilohertz – A term meaning 1000 cycles per second.
Abbreviated kHz.
Kilovoltamperes – Abbreviated kVA. Voltage times
amperage is expressed in kVA. Kilovoltamperes is the
"Apparent Power," and can be found by dividing kilowatts
by the power factor.
Kilowatts – Term for "Real Power," or the power actually
used by the load.
LC – An abbreviation for the inductance and capacitance
that is used in the same circuit.
Lightning Arrester – A device used to pass large
impulses to ground. It is vital that this device be placed
upstream from the computer ground.
Line – A term used to describe a given condition between
conductors of a multiphase feeder.
Line to Line – A term used to describe a given condition
between conductors of a multiphase feeder.
Line to Neutral – A term used to describe a given
condition between a phase conductor and a neutral
conductor.
Load – Any electrical device connected to a power source
may be called the general term of "load."
Megahertz – A term for one million hertz (cycles per
second). Abbreviated MHz.
National Electrical Code – A set of rules and regulations,
plus recommended electrical practices, that are put out by
the National Fire Protection Association. Abbreviated
N.E.C.
Neutral – One of the conductors of a three-phase wye
system is the neutral conductor. Sometimes called the
return conductor, it carries the entire current of a singlephase circuit and the resultant current in a three-phase
system that is unbalanced. The neutral is bonded to
ground on the output of a three-phase delta-wye
transformer.
Noise – An undesirable signal, which is irregular yet
Glossar y
oscillatory, that is superimposed on the desired signal.
See Common-Mode Noise and Normal-Mode Noise.
Ohm – The unit of measurement for resistance (symbol
R), impedance (symbol Z), and reactance (symbol X).
Ohm’s Law – The mathematical relationship between
Volts, Amperes, and Ohms: Volts = Amperes times Ohms.
Oscillation – Generally used to mean an electrical
phenomenon that produces a number of occurrences
above or below a given instantaneous voltage level.
Outage – A long-term loss of voltage resulting from a
localized utility failure.
Overvoltage – Similar to a surge but for a longer period of
time, over 2.5 seconds.
Peak – The maximum instantaneous measurement of an
electrical event.
Phase – A term used to describe the timing between two
or more events tied to the same frequency.
Power – A general term which means the capacity for
doing work. In the electrical environment, this is usually
measured in watts.
Radio-Frequency Interference – Electromagnetic signals
of a frequency associated with electromagnetic radiation,
which are coupled to a conductor either directly or as with
an antenna. Abbreviated RFI.
Rectifier/Charger – A subassembly of a UPS that
performs the function of converting the incoming AC into
DC for driving the inverter and charging the batteries.
Regulation – A term used to describe the action of
holding a constant electrical value in the face of
fluctuations.
31
Safety Ground – A conductive path that bonds all
cabinets and conductor shields to the power-source
ground.
Sag – A short-term RMS voltage decrease which exceeds
an established upper limit for less than 2.5 seconds.
Secondary – The output winding of a transformer.
Shield – A conductive enclosure or barrier that prevents
electrical interference from external sources.
Sine Wave – A fundamental waveform produced by
periodic oscillation that expresses the sine or cosine of a
linear function of time or space, or both.
Single Phase – That portion of a power source which
represents only a single phase of the three phases that
are available.
Single-Point Ground – The practice of tying the power
neutral ground and safety ground together at the same
point, thus avoiding a differential ground potential between
points in a system.
Shield: As normally applied to instrumentation cables, a
conductive sheath (usually metallic) applied over the insulation of a conductor or conductors, for the purpose of
providing means to reduce coupling between the
conductors so shielded and other conductors that may be
susceptible to, or that may be generating unwanted
electrostatic or electromagnetic fields (noise).
Shielding - Shielding is the use of a conducting barrier
between a potentially disturbing noise source and
sensitive circuitry. Shields are used to protect cables (data
and power) and electronic circuits. They may be in the
form of metal barriers enclosures, or wrappings around
source circuits and receiving circuits.
Spike (pulse terms) - A distortion in the form of a pulse
waveform of relatively short duration superimposed on an
otherwise regular or desired pulse waveform.
Resistance – A term describing the opposition of
elements of a circuit to alternating or direct current.
Symbol is R.
Surge – A short-term voltage increase that exceeds
established upper limits for less than 2.5 seconds.
Resistor – A discrete electronic component designed to
produce a DC voltage drop when current passes through
it.
Surge Impedance - The ratio between voltage and
current of a wave that travels on a line of infinite length
and of the same characteristics as the relevant line.
Residual (voltage) - The amplitude (level) that remains
after a Surge Protective Device has attenuated the ini-tial
transient.
Static Charge - The electricity generated when two
dissimilar substances come into contact. (Conveyor belts
are active producers of static electricity).
Root Mean Square – The square root of the arithmetic
mean of the squares of a set of electrical amplitudes.
Abbreviated RMS.
Swell - An increase in the AC voltage, at the power
frequency, for durations from a half-cycle to a few
seconds.
Glossar y
Tap – A terminal on a transformer winding.
Tap Switching – The action of changing from one terminal
on a transformer winding to another, thereby changing the
turns ratio of the device to maintain a desire voltage
relationship.
Three Phase – An electrical system with three different
voltage lines or legs, which carry sine-wave waveforms
that are 120º out of phase from one another.
Total Harmonic Distortion – A term that refers to the
alteration of a waveshape by the presence of multiples of
the fundamental frequency of the signal. Abbreviated
THD.
Transfer Switch – A device used to transfer the load of a
power unit from itself to a bypass line.
Transformer – A device used for changing the voltage of
an AC circuit and/or isolating a circuit from its power
source.
32
Volt – The quantitative measurement of electrical force or
potential; also called electromotive force.
Voltage Regulator – A circuit that has a constant output
voltage when input voltage fluctuates.
Voltampere – The unit of measurement of apparent
power.
Watt – The unit of measurement of actual power.
Watt: The unit of power in the International System of units
(SI). The watt is the power required to do work at the
rate of 1 joule per second.
Withstand Current - The crest value attained by a surge
of a given wave shape and polarity that does not cause
disruptive discharge on the test specimen.
Withstand Voltage - The specified voltage that, under
specified conditions, can be applied to insulation without
causing flashover or puncture.
Waveform – The graphic form of an electrical parameter.
UL – The abbreviation for Underwriter ’s Laboratories, Inc.,
an independent United States product-safety assurance
agency.
Undervoltage – Like a sag, but for a longer period of
time; over 2.5 seconds.
Uninterruptible Power System – A power-conditioning
and supply system that provides power during outages.
Abbreviated UPS.
Zero Signal Reference – The result of a properly installed
ground structure is a constant potential over a broad band
of frequencies between the devices that are part of the
structure. This highly desirable state us called the zero
signal reference, meaning the potential between points on
the ground reference is equal to zero over a broad range
of frequencies.
Appendix
33
APPENDIX:
Articles of
Interest
CONTRASTING THE OLD and NEW UL 1449
STANDARDS
By Dr. Richard L. Cohen
Vice President, New Business
Panamax
San Rafael, CA 94903
INTRODUCTION: Since 1987, AC surge protectors
(Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors,TVSS) have been
covered by a UL Standard, UL 1449 (1). About a year ago,
UL issued a new Second Edition of the standard, with
much stiffer requirements. All surge protectors
manufactured after February 16, 1998, that carry the UL
Listing label will have to conform to the new Standard (2).
A recent article in PQA (3) reviewed some of the changes,
and the range of application-dependent specifications for
many different protector types. This article discusses the
main changes that will be required for the vast majority
(>95%) of protectors manufactured plug-connected,
120VAC, 15A configurations.
Why did the Standard get revised? Over the decade since
the original 1449 Standard, about 100 million protectors
have been produced. There has been an enormous
learning experience among users, manufacturers, and
safety agencies, about the real world field environment,
and the kinds of events that damage protectors, and,
rarely, make them melt down or disintegrate. The original
Standard was strongly linked to the then-new IEEE 587
(now C62.41-1992) norms that suggested that 6,000V,
500A, 20usec pulses were the largest that would occur at
an interior outlet on a 15A distribution circuit.
With ~1 billion site-years of operating experience, we now
know that problems of open neutral-ground bonds (which
can result in current-limited 240V being applied to a 120V
protector) are much more common than nearby
catastrophic lightning strikes, and that utility power-cross
events (resulting from transmission lines collapsing from
windstorms or auto crashes) can bring 10,000 volts or so
into a residence. The improvements in the new standard
reflect new requirements to deal with these scenarios.
Additionally, surge protector technology has improved
considerably, so the new standard has a much greater
surge test requirement. What does this mean for
consumers? Consumers who are buying the new surge
protectors will pay a little more, but will get protectors of
substantially higher quality and greater safety.
IMPROVEMENTS: The main improvements appear under
severe surge conditions that would result from nearby
lightning, and open neutral and electric utility transmission
problems, that can provide catastrophic power surges of
many thousands of volts. Under the new standard, the
protectors must survive or die safely under these severe
events, which are very rare. The old standard had limited
requirements in this area, and there have been a
significant number of protector meltdowns and nearexplosions from severe surges.
Many of the changes reflect the real-world truth that a
large fraction (some estimates are ~10%) of the
receptacles in the US are Line-Neutral reversed, so
realistic protector requirements would have the same
specification for protection Neutral-Ground as LineGround.
The new Standard does require this, not only for the 20
usec test pulses, but also for catastrophic (2,000A
240VAC) and limited-current 240VAC tests. The new
standard also has much more severe endurance testing of
the ability of the protector to withstand, without damage,
the repeated, moderate surges that occur in areas with
high lightning or poor power quality.
The table on the next page summarizes the major
changes. Obviously, the 102 page new 1449 Standard has
many requirements that we don’t have room to discuss.
Appendix
34
NEW 1449 STANDARD
OLD 1449 STANDARD
• Thermal fuse protection against
protector meltdown
• Not required
• Protectors safe against catastrophic
overvoltage
• Not required
• Protectors safe against leakage/shocks
after damage
• Not required
• Must survive 2 3,000A and
20 500A surges
• Must survive 2 500A and
24 125A surges
• Must protect Line-Neutral, Line-Ground, • May protect only Line-Neutral
and Neutral-Ground
• 102 pages
For several years, the better commercially available surge
protectors have met the requirements for thermal fusing
and resistance to catastrophic surges, and far exceeded
the new surge withstand requirements. The requirement
that the protector have low electrical leakage AFTER
damage is new and can be difficult to meet.
LIMITATIONS: The new 1449 Standard is strictly focused
on the idea of the safety of the protector itself in severe
overvoltage situations. Unfortunately, the standard does
not address the issue of damage to the load i.e., the
connected equipment,or protected equipment. For
protectors using metal- oxide varistors (MOVs) (probably
99% of all protectors), designers can meet the fusing
requirements in either of two ways (the diagrams are
simplified and show only the Line-Neutral protector):
• 39 pages
With this protector design,”Simple Suppressor Design”. if
the incoming overvoltage is too strong for the voltage
limiting device (usually an MOV) to control, the fuse
opens. This disconnects the MOV, and thus stops it from
burning. Unfortunately, the overvoltage then passes
directly into the load, completely unlimited by the projector!
Later surges also pass directly into the load. This is
particularly a problem with lightning, where each first
stroke (which blows the fuse) is followed by several
additional strokes separated by a few tenths of a second.
It is possible, but much more difficult, to design a protector
as shown below:
In this design, “Proper Suppressor Design”, if the incoming
surge is larger than the fusing limits, when the fuse opens,
the load is disconnected from the source. The load is
protected against any subsequent surges. The loss of
Appendix
power to the load also notifies the user that there is a
problem with the protector.
Although it might seem surprising that any responsible
designer would use the first (easy) design, there are
significant extra costs and design problems that arise with
the second (series fuse) design. So, in fact, the vast
majority of the protectors on the market now use the easy
design. The standard allows either, and does not call for
distinctive labeling.
MARKING: As of this writing, protectors Listed (i.e.,
approved as meeting) to the new standard will be marked
as Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor or TVSS. The
protector itself will not be marked as complying to the new
standard. However, packaging and promotional materials
are allowed to inform the customer that the protector
meets the new rules.
CONCLUSION: The new standard will assure consumers
of getting substantially safer and more robust protectors, if
they insist on the LISTED TVSS label. Even minimal
protectors manufactured under the new standard will be
35
stronger and safer than the previous generation of
protectors. However, consumers who want to have
complete protection for their equipment will have to look
further into the details of design and construction of the
protectors.
REFERENCES
1. Underwriters Laboratories Standard For Safety 1449,
Second Edition, August 15, 1996. Available from ULat 333
Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.
2. Implementation of minor parts of the standard has just
been delayed until August 17, 1998.
3. J. R. Harford, Power Quality Assurance, Jan./Feb.
1998, p. 48.
Appendix
36
Understanding UL
1449,
Second Edition
UL 1449 Standard for Transient Voltage Surge
Suppressors Second Edition, August 15, 1996
A major standards change within the Transient Voltage
Surge Suppression (TVSS) industry addresses changes in
the testing and evaluation of TVSS devices. Titled "UL
Standard for Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors", this
second edition of UL1449 was published on August 15,
1996. Additionally, new tests have been created to better
determine the safety aspects of all products tested and the
document has been converted to reflect the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) format.
UL 1449: Background
First published on August 18, 1985, UL 1449 became
effective on July 2, 1987. As is the purpose of
Underwriters Laboratories, the original point of the
document was to determine if a safety risk existed with the
product under test. UL also did something a bit unusual for
any of its testing procedures: a performance rating was
assigned to the product under test. This UL1449
Suppression Voltage Rating became a benchmark for
performance comparisons used by manufacturers
publishing product data and a critical means of
comparison for end users and specifiers selecting TVSS
products.
UL 1449: Second Edition
1998’s second edition of UL1449 categorizes TVSS into
three types:
• Direct Plug-In TVSS devices incorporate integral blades
for connection directly to electrical outlets by consumers
wherever point-of-use surge protection is desired.
• Cord-Connected TVSS devices have a power supply
cord terminating in an attachment plug for connection to
nearby electrical outlets by consumer, wherever area of
use is desired by the end user.
• Permanently Connected TVSS devices are equipped
with terminals or leads that are hard-wired by qualified
personnel into the building’s electrical service entrance
and distribution system. These products include
switchboard and panel-mounted surge protection devices
intended to provide hardwired point-of-use surge
protection.
The focus of this paper will be on the latter of product
types defined; permanently connected TVSS devices.
Testing Overview
What follows is an overview of some of the tests that
make up UL1449 – Second Edition. This paper is not
meant to serve as a review of the entire 100+ page
document. Instead, focus will be given to areas believed to
be of most interest to users and specifiers of TVSS
products.
Measured Limiting Voltage Test
The most noticeable of all changes will likely be the
measured limiting voltage test. Originally referred to as the
"transient voltage surge test," it is this test that assigns a
suppression voltage rating, or let-through voltage, to a
product under test.
The original First Edition test criteria consisted of the
following series of impulses:
The EUT (Equipment Under Test) was subjected to the
first impulse and the let-through voltage was recorded.
This value served as the initial performance benchmark.
This impulse was followed by a series of 24 duty cycle
transients; 12 of a positive orientation, 12 negative. This
was to ensure and demonstrate some reliability of the
suppressor. Finally the EUT was subjected to an impulse
identical to the first and the let-through voltage was once
again recorded. To successfully pass this test, the letthrough voltage could not deviate ± 10% from the first
benchmark value to the last.
Appendix
Revised Measured Limiting Voltage Test
Testing
Now referred to as the Measured Limiting Voltage Test,
this revision has clarified the purpose, the set-up and
calibration details, and new procedures for administering
the test.
Once generator calibration has been achieved, testing
may begin. A major change has been made to the series
of test impulses compared to those of the first edition of
the UL 1449 standard. These revised testing values are
listed in the table below.
below.
Generator Set-Up / Calibration
The generator is first calibrated to deliver the rated initial
benchmark current to the EUT. This short circuit test
includes the test leads between the surge generator and
the EUT. This current magnitude can vary no more than
+10% from its specified value. Once the current has been
set, the resulting open-circuit voltage is measured. If this
voltage or current is not correct, the length of the leads
from the generator to the EUT are adjusted until the
correct values are achieved. Likewise, this voltage value
may vary no more than +10% from the specified value.
The test leads from the generator to the EUT should be
kept as short and straight as possible to achieve the
desired specification values. Added length and sharp
bends can affect amplitude, rise time, and wave shape of
the test impulses.
37
The current magnitude for the benchmark values has been
reduced from 3,000 to 500 amps. While the duty cycle has
been reduced in number of impulses from 24 to 20, the
current magnitude has been increased from 750 to 3,000
amps. The benefit of this change is that the EUT is now
subjected to a more strenuous duty cycle test than with
the previous version of the test.
Once again, the measured limiting voltage may not
deviate ± 10% from the first benchmark value to the last to
successfully pass this portion of the test.
Appendix
Rating
Once testing is completed, a rating is applied to the
device. As with the previous version of the test, this rating
is a function of the measured limiting voltage of the EUT.
Based on the average achieved during testing, a
performance rating is assigned to the product using the
stair-stepped rating system developed with the
introduction of the first edition of the test. As shown in
Table 3, this rating scale has been enhanced (noted in
italics) to "fill in the gaps" present in the original version.
38
During and following the Overvoltage Test, the following
conditions shall not occur:
1. Emission of flame, molten metal, glowing or flaming
particles through any opening (pre-existing or created as a
result of the test) in the product
2. Charring, glowing, or flaming of the supporting surface,
tissue paper, or cheesecloth
3. Ignition of the enclosure
4. Creation of any openings in the enclosure that results in
the accessibility of live parts
Abnormal Overvoltage Test
UL 1449 Suppressed Voltage Ratings - 330V, 400V,
500V, 600V, 700V, 800V, 900V, 1000V, 1200V, 1500V,
1800V, 2000V, 2500V, 3000V, 4000V, 5000V, 6000V
Surge Current Testing
The Surge Current Test is performed on the device to
demonstrate its ability to safely handle a larger magnitude
transient impulse than applied during the Measured
Limiting Voltage Test. Using the calibration techniques
previously described, the EUT is loosely draped with a
double layer of cheesecloth and is subjected to two
impulses. With AC power applied to the EUT, two surges
are initiated at the peak of the voltage waveform. One
impulse shall be positively oriented, the other negatively
oriented. The magnitude of these two impulses shall be
6,000 volts / 10,000 amps.
Following the application of the two test impulses, the
product sample is to be operated at rated voltage for
seven hours, during which time the following conditions
shall not occur:
a. Emission of flame, molten metal, glowing or flaming
particles through any opening (pre-existing or created as a
result of the test) in the product
b. Charring, glowing, or flaming of the supporting surface,
tissue paper, or cheesecloth
c. Ignition of the enclosure
d. Creation of any openings in the enclosure that results in
the accessibility of live parts
Overvoltage Test
The Overvoltage Test is performed to determine if the
product can withstand a slight increase in voltage for an
extended period of time. The device shall be loosely
draped with a double layer of cheesecloth and subjected
to 110 percent of the rated supply voltage for seven hours.
In the Abnormal Overvoltage Test, the product sample is
subjected to a voltage magnitude much greater than is
expected to be delivered to the device under normal
operating conditions. With magnitudes that can exceed
170 percent of the nominal value, these sustained events
will most likely lead to immediate failure of the TVSS
device.
Part A: Full phase voltage – high current abnormal
overvoltage test
A much more stressful test than the TOV, this portion of
the test applies the full phase rated voltage to the EUT as
defined in Table 4.
This voltage is to be applied for seven hours, or until the
device becomes disconnected from the power source (ie:
fuse or circuit breaker operation).
Part B: Limited current abnormal overvoltage test
The overvoltage test detailed in Part 2 above is repeated,
but this time the short-circuit current magnitude is varied
between 5A down to 0.125A. Once again, power is applied
for seven hours, or until the device becomes disconnected
from the power source (ie: fuse or circuit breaker
operation).
Additional Tests
A wide variety of additional tests have been included in
this revised standard, including testing of components
(Capacitor Endurance Test), the integrity of the enclosure
(Enclosure Impact Test, Crushing Test, Mold Stress-Relief
Distortion Test, Mounting Hole Barrier Test, and Adequacy
of Mounting Test), as well as manufacturing and
production-line testing.
Appendix
39
Applying The Mark
All products manufactured on or after February 16, 1998, must have been tested to the requirements of UL 1449 Second Edition. While there will be no visible indication that the product has been tested to the second edition instead of
the first edition, the mere presence of the ULmark and ratings on a product after this date will ensure that products built
after February 16, 1998 have been through the rigors of the revised testing criteria.
Summary
As has always been the focus with UL, safety is of the utmost concern. The Second Edition of UL1449 further enhances
these safety requirements that all TVSS products must possess.
Appendix
NOTES:
40