Do Surge Protectors Work if Turned Off?

[K9-Lovers]

We recently had SECO install a whole-house surge protector, and they also supplied some plug-in surge protectors for computer equipment, etc. That got me to thinking . . .

Does a surge protector work when it is turned off? Does it have to be turned on with the little light glowing in order to keep your electronics safe?

I'm sure there are some folks on TOTV who know the real answer to this question, so thanks!

[K9-Lovers]

Okay all you electrical gurus out there . . . someone must know the answer to this question.

Looking on the internet, you find all kinds of opinions. I just want the truth.:confused:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

From a manufacturer's web site. Click on the 6th question from the top:

http://www.panamax.com/Customer-Service/FAQ.aspx

Bill

[K9-Lovers]

Here's the answer for other inquiring minds:

". . .as long as the surge protector is plugged into a properly grounded wall receptacle, all outlets are protected regardless of the position of the on/off switch."

Thank you! :a040:

[skyguy79]

We recently had SECO install a whole-house surge protector, and they also supplied some plug-in surge protectors for computer equipment, etc. We also had a whole-house surge protector installed. What we found out after the installation is that if the protector ring takes a single hit, it will no longer work and would need replacement. The person that told us this was Alan Byer, a master electrican!
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs25/f/2008/101/9/3/Emoticon___Electricity_by_X_wing9.gif

[Bill-n-Brillo]

You're most welcome, K9!

Bill :)

[memason]

I thought as long as your refrigerator light is out, when the door is closed, the surge protector is working properly. Is there another way to check it ???

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I thought as long as your refrigerator light is out, when the door is closed, the surge protector is working properly. Is there another way to check it ???

Hey Mike - have you checked the one in the freezer yet? :a20:

Bill:wave:

[K9-Lovers]

Memason. . . . are you making fun of me? ;)

Where did you take that photo of your avatar?

[K9-Lovers]

Okay, you can close the door now so I can see if the light goes off.
http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af306/doggiewood/doginfridge.jpg

[skyguy79]

Okay, you can close the door now so I can see if the light goes off.
http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af306/doggiewood/doginfridge.jpgAnd I thought that only stero speakers had woofers! Why not put a bird in there and have a tweeter too? http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/smilies/smiley_crazy.gif

[Lightning]

The purpose of a surge protection device (SPD) is to protect appliances and sensitive electronic equipment from INDIRECT lightning strikes. You need to consider Primary and Secondary SPD. Primary SPDs are either installed behind your electric meter by SECO or Progress Energy. Or you can have an electrician install a SPD on your electric panel. In either case this is to protect your hardwired appliances, (dishwasher, A/C, furnace, etc.). Then you need Secondary SPD for any electronic equipment that you value (computers, TV, refrig., etc) with a plug-in device or a power strip that has a connection for coiax cable and/or telephone cable. See the Lightning Matters column in the March 2011, December 2010 and August 2010 POA Bulletin for further details. These can be found on the POA web site.

[K9-Lovers]

Ah, Lightning. Thank you. Can you clarify for me please... do I need a plug in device for my stove and washer/dryer also?

I had SECO install a collar behind the meter, and now I want to protect my major appliances.

[memason]

Memason. . . . are you making fun of me? ;)

Where did you take that photo of your avatar?

Sorry....wasn't making fun of "you"... Just making fun and hijacking! The topic just reminded me of the "if a tree falls ..." question.

At any rate, I know a lot more about surge protectors now . . . :p

[K9-Lovers]

We all still want to know where that avatar picture was taken, Memason. Looks like you were headed to no-man's land!

[Pturner]

I thought as long as your refrigerator light is out, when the door is closed, the surge protector is working properly. Is there another way to check it ???

And I thought that only stero speakers had woofers! Why not put a bird in there and have a tweeter too? http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/smilies/smiley_crazy.gif

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[K9-Lovers]

The purpose of a surge protection device (SPD) is to protect appliances and sensitive electronic equipment from INDIRECT lightning strikes. You need to consider Primary and Secondary SPD. Primary SPDs are either installed behind your electric meter by SECO or Progress Energy. Or you can have an electrician install a SPD on your electric panel. In either case this is to protect your hardwired appliances, (dishwasher, A/C, furnace, etc.). Then you need Secondary SPD for any electronic equipment that you value (computers, TV, refrig., etc) with a plug-in device or a power strip that has a connection for coiax cable and/or telephone cable. See the Lightning Matters column in the March 2011, December 2010 and August 2010 POA Bulletin for further details. These can be found on the POA web site.

Thanks Lightening -- just got my POA bulletin today.