Patent ID: 6011682
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A low cost, flexible, modular system for protecting both operating and nonoperating electronic equipment, appliances, and industrial equipment from lightning energy damage without using metal oxide varistors (MOVs), comprising:a power limited arrestor protector module for providing protection to 120 VAC power line connected equipment from 120 VAC power line surges caused by lightning utilizing a fuse protected spark gap, the fuse protected spark gap of the power limited arrestor module havingparallel rods forming a spark gap capable of discharging the lightning within approximately a first millisecond via an arc between and along the parallel rods in the range of approximately 600 to approximately 800 VAC, anda separate 10 amp fuse connected to the parallel rods, wherein the ten amp fuse will disconnect power to the 120 VAC power line connected equipment within approximately a second millisecond of the arc, to prevent deterioration of the gap over repeated firings;a coaxial antenna line accessory module for providing protection to coaxial cable connected devices affected by the lightning;a phone line accessory module for providing protection to a telephone line connected device affected by the lightning; anda power relay accessory module for providing power interrupt control to remote AC power equipment affected by the lightning; anda main detector-control module for providing an automatic time shutdown for the 120 VAC power line connected equipment affected by the lightning, and for providing an automatic timed shutdown for at least one of the coaxial antenna accessory module, the phone line accessory module and the power relay accessory module, wherein the system protects against lightning energy damage while the connected equipment and the devices are both operating and nonoperating, without using metal oxide varistors (MOVs).