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  3. 1360601973

Whole house surge protection

I'm thinking of having an electrician install one of these devices at the service entrance of my house. I get frequent thunder storms. Does anyone know what these are made of? Do they use inductors? Reason I'm asking is I do not want any device that can limit dynamics of my audio system. I've looked into ZeroSurge, SurgeX, etc that use SMP, which seem to be ideal compared to devices using MOVs. But all of these use inductors..and some who have used this type of technology have complained of dynamic restriction and collapsing of soundstage. Thanks.
dracule1
lissnr
351 posts
 
I use a "Power-Save 1200" also known as an "Abet 2201"...It works great...no surge issues of any sorts and excellent dynamics.
http://www.power-save.com/1200.html
I had it installed via a new sub panel when I built my listening room...it requires its' own breaker...your electrician can probably tell you all about it. Good luck
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Lissnr,

Where does it say the PS 1200 is a surge protector?

The video says the unit is UL approved. UL 1449 - 3rd addition?

The video with the motor mounted on the board is very misleading.
A squirrel cage induction motor without a connected loaded will have a very poor PF (power factor). The closer the motor is loaded to its rated HP (horse power) the more efficient the motor will be. There in higher PF.

It appears the PS 1200 is nothing more than an AC capacitor that when connected across the AC mains will raise the mains line voltage somewhat.

In the case of a squirrel cage induction motor operated within the motor nameplate data specs an increase in line voltage will result in a decrease in current draw, amps.

P = E x I

P = power measured in watts
E = voltage
I = amps

The Power Utility company meter measures watts consumed. That is why it is called a watt hour meter.

As a residential power user I see no savings gain from using the PS 1200 unit.

Sorry.......
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lifeengineer
55 posts
 
Dracule1, did you check the archives here on the ep2050?
dracule1 OP
1,043 posts
 
Yes I did. couple of things are holding me back. One is the amount of max surge current it can handle, 12.5 kA. Other surge arresters for residential applications I've seen are 80+ kA. And it has no warranty against damage.
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Dracule1,

Which ever external mounted SPD you go with the unit protects best when the wire leads from the SPD are as short as possible.

If possible the breaker used to connect the SPD to the bus of the electrical panel should be installed as close as possible to the load side of the main breaker as well as the neutral/ground bus bar. Inches matter!

Sharp bending of the SPD wire leads must be avoided.

As for the Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA you will notice the manufacture recommends a 2 pole 50 amp breaker be used for connecting the the SPD to the electrical panel bus.

More reading material.

http://www.erico.com/public/library/fep/technotes/tncr019.pdf
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