Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!mips!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!remus.rutgers.edu!majeske From: majeske@remus.rutgers.edu (Joseph Majeske) Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware Subject: Re: Surge Supressor Query Message-ID: Date: 15 Apr 91 21:27:26 GMT References: Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 39 Michael erb writes: >MEI/Micro Center is selling a "3 Mode Full Protection 6-Outlet >Spike/Surge Supressor with Modem/Fax & EMI/RFI protection" for >$15.95 ... >if the specifications indicate whether this device is worth it I can speak to that, as I just got one last week. Yes, the _specifications_ indicate that this device is worth it. The device, however, fails to conform to the specifications. Usually I buy a six-outlet strip and add my own filters and MOVs, but since that price was only a little higher than a plain vanilla power strip, I thought I'd give it a try. "3 Mode Full Protection" in the usual sense, means that the device protects against common mode surges (those between hot & neutral), and surges between hot and ground, and neutral and ground. Typically in low end surge suppressors this is done by a metal oxide varistor between each wire. The MEI device does have 3 MOVs, but all of them are used in a bridge between hot and neutral. It does not protect against the other two modes at all. I am going to add 2 additional MOVs and a better filter. In short $15.95 buys a nice box. Not to denigrate the box, I like the box, but full protection it is not. Doubtless they would say that they mean Spike/Surge, EMI/RFI, and phone protection by "3 Mode Full Protection." This is not the first time I have encountered false claims in cheap surge suppressors. The only way to be sure is to open the box. Look a for thing that looks like a large disc capacitor soldered between each of the three wires (the MOV). Or buy an expensive and reputable brand like ISOBAR. In no case should you ever buy a surge suppressor from Radio Shack, the Technology Store from Hell(tm). Every RS suppressor I have encountered had a false label. I have no connection with ISOBAR or (ack! ack!) Radio Shack.