Patent ID: 6282075
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A surge suppressor adapted to be connected to first and second AC power lines and which provides overvoltage protection without the need for a separate ground conductor, the surge suppressor comprising:(a) an AC overvoltage protection circuit comprising at least one MOV connected between the AC power lines for protecting against voltage surges on the AC power lines;(b) an AC power receptacle having two AC power terminals and a ground terminal and adapted to receive a three prong AC power plug, the AC power terminals for connection to the AC power lines; and(c) a virtual ground circuit connected between the ground terminal of the AC power receptacle and the AC power lines for providing a return path to the AC power lines for voltage surges appearing at the AC power receptacle, the virtual ground circuit comprising a first MOV connected between the ground terminal of the AC power receptacle and the first AC power line and a second MOV connected between the ground terminal of the AC power receptacle and the second AC power line.