What to look for in a Powerboard with surge protection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bigbadwolv
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 27, 2019, 12:34:13 pm
content: Hi all,I'm a n00b (so go easy on me) and I have a question - I trolled through a bunch of previous posts and couldn't find anything that completely answers it. If you can find something I missed feel free to point me in that direction.BACKGROUNDDuring an insanely heavy downpour at home (in Australia), we got some flooding in the house which fried one of my existing power boards with surge protection which I use for my TV, amp and other related products in the lounge room.Now I need to purchase a new power board. Historically I have always just gone out and purchased something based on pretty much on price - nothing overly expensive but certainly not cheap.QUESTIONCan you recommend any power boards with surge protection for me or give me some things I need to look for in a power board with surge protection?REQUIREMENTS- 6-8 outlets (no real need for ethernet - unless you can convince me otherwise)- Surge Protection - I am open to other suggestions - it's all learning for meEXTRA INFOOriginal Power boardBrand: ConnexiaModel: 55015Rating: 230-240V ~ 50HzLoading: Max 10A 2400WOutlets: 6 + Ethernet In/outOther: Indicates it has EMI / RFI Filtration[Data obtained from the power board itself]Other Existing Power board:Brand: BelkinModel: F9G820au2M-GRYDataline Protection: RJ-11 Fax/Modem/Phone (In/out/out)Filtering: EMI/RFI 150kHz~100MHz up to 65db reductionFrequency: 50 HzInput Voltage: 250 V ACPower Cord/Cable: 2 mPower Handling: 2.40 kVAReceptacles: 8Response Time: 1 NanosecondMaximum Spike Volts: 6000 Volts[Data obtained fromhttps://www.mightyape.com.au/product/belkin-surgemaster-adsl-8-way-2m-cordtel-incl-unlimited-warranty/10337790]Would appreciate the help - as I said I am a n00b so please try to refrain as much as possible from using abbreviations and such wwithout first acknowledgigng themP.S. I planned to hide or spoiler tag the Extra Info to make the post smaller but couldn't work out how to do it here (if it is possible)P.P.S. I apologise if I have left anything important out - just hit me up and I'll edit if required.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 10:41:48 am
content: Others can correct me if I'm wrong, but I wouldn't worry too much on what's inside a standard "surge protected" power board. They all do more or less the same thing (just avoid the cheap and nasty Chinese ones).Most power supplies have filtering and rudimentary surge protection built-in but all components eventually wear out, especially with repeated surges. Obviously not having to replace your TV's PSU would be ideal and you want something in between to take the load. In power boards/strips, the most common method to absorb surges are by using components called MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors). The joule rating in the specs is what you should look at. The higher the rating, the more energy it can absorb without failing. Any half-decent product manufacturer will mention this in their product specs.I'd just stick with one of the better known brands such as Belkin. You can pick up their power boards for well under AUD$100 and they come with a connected equipment warranty as well (read theterms and conditionsbefore buying their products).No power board will protect you from a direct (or nearby) lightning strike. The best thing to do in those situations is physically disconnect your appliances from the wall.I wouldn't get too hung up about it though. Any more than $50 and you're paying way too much for a power board. You also have the option of making a claim through your home and contents insurance if an appliance is damaged by a surge or you can always try and make a claim through the energy distributor. Whilst the energy companies don't really have an obligation to provide compensation, many will look at individual cases and will sometimes agree to compensate you, for example:https://www.ausgrid.com.au/Contact-Us/ClaimsOn a different note, this is what can happen if you cheap-out on garbage products:

author: bigbadwolv
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 04:25:37 am
content: Thanks Halcyon,Is there a "standard" joule rating that is considered acceptable or is it really a case by case basis?

author: tsman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 05:01:12 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on January 30, 2019, 10:41:48 amThose connected equipment warranties are just a marketing gimmick so don't base any particular purchase on them. They've got so many loopholes that it is very rare that they'll pay out.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 05:50:20 am
content: Quote from: tsman on January 31, 2019, 05:01:12 amSome are actually quite decent as long as they are connected according to their instructions and you don't do anything silly with them.As I also mentioned, you need to read the terms and conditions so you know what is/is not covered when making a claim.Here is what I wrote:Quote from: Halcyon on January 30, 2019, 10:41:48 am

author: bigbadwolv
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 02:11:51 am
content: Cheers for the heads up re warranties (not that I would place a lot of emphasis on purchase based on warranties).Any more info re the joule ratings?

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 02:19:32 am
content: I avoid the ones with surge protection personally. I had a close call at home where I caught one melting and at a previous job we had one catch fire and burn a patch of carpet after a neutral failed at the building transformer. I've seen several pictures of other MOV based surge suppressors that burned up too.

author: bigbadwolv
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 05:14:06 am
content: Quote from: james_s on February 01, 2019, 02:19:32 amWhat would you suggest as an alternative?

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 06:01:55 am
content: I use power strips without surge protection, we don't get much in the way of power surges here and electronic equipment is cheap these days. If surges are a problem where you are I would look for something that doesn't rely on MOVs, or at least make sure it has a metal housing.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2019, 09:12:10 am
content: Quote from: tsman on January 31, 2019, 05:01:12 amYay, we have a winner comment that beat me to it !Dear OP: Those 'feel safe' powerboards are a wank mate, especially the ones you listed, it's no surprise they died in the ass, just when you needed them to do what you thought you paid forGet the plain non 'surge protection' power boards with the overload buttons, AND a separate RCD you can testor better still, an orange tradie style 4 way cube/brick thingie with a combined RCD and MCB, and read the instructions!Clipsal, Arlec, HPM, Deta, go for a reputable Brand name that make a decent product, and have lots of money in reservein case you have to sue their ass for an occasional faulty POSthat slips through the OS sweatshoppe assembly line.i.e. Any water, faults or user stupidity will 'usually' trip these devices a LOT better than the 'surge protection' placebo boardsAs most snobby, anti-mates rates electrical retailers will shaft you on the price, Bunnings, Mitre 10, or local hardware store are your friends on this,after wasting time searching on google and wiki for info about surge BSfrom clueless keyboard typing turkeys that can't tell a dog from a cat, much less AC or DC,or what surge, brownout, short or polarity mean for the frustrated aussie home battler that just wants to plug in and get on with itFWIW: you buy these things once and cry once,otherwise ignore the above gab and buy same or a better $ $ $ 'surge protection' power boards, if you enjoy crossed finger exercises and crying (NOT! I hope...)FWIW: there are genuine 'surge' come protection devices out there that will protect your gear pretty much unconditionally,but you need a healthy credit card to buy one,and a mate to help carry it to the car and into the man cave