Voltage drops in the network, high-frequency interference can damage computers and other equipment. The load on the power grid is constantly growing due to the increase in devices used by people, so the issue of voltage stability is very relevant.
What is a surge protector and how does it work
High load on the power grid, deterioration of network equipment, failures in the operation of electrical substations, lightning discharges, lightning strikes near power grids - all this leads to voltage surges. To prevent the unpleasant consequences of such surges in everyday life and in industry, surge protectors are used.
The mains filter works by passing alternating current and filtering the resulting high-frequency and impulse noise, thereby protecting the devices connected through it to the network. Most standard line filters consist of two elements: a varistor and an LC filter.
A varistor is a semiconductor resistor that converts impulse noise energy into thermal energy. It receives the same voltage as the device it protects, since they work in parallel. The higher the voltage applied to the terminals of the varistor, the lower the resistance in it. Under normal conditions, in the absence of impulse noise and normal voltage in the supply network, a low current flows through the varistor. When a high voltage pulse appears in the network, the resistance of the varistor drops sharply, and at this time a high current flows through it.
An element such as an LC filter is designed to suppress high-frequency interference (100-100 thousand Hz), which, provoking a distortion of the sinusoid of an alternating voltage in the network, cause interruptions in the operation of electrical equipment. A variety of powerful electrical devices can be sources of high-frequency interference. A neighbor can connect such a device to the network, and this will affect your equipment. Line filters of different brands and models use LC circuits of different power, which is measured in decibels. L is the inductor and C is the capacitor.
Differences between different models
Filters may differ in the number of sockets (1-8) for connecting devices. In any case, it is best not to connect many devices at the same time. The surge protector, in addition to its main purpose, is also used as an extension cord, so pay attention to the length of the cord.
Some filter models are equipped with system health indicators - LEDs. If one of the devices fails, the LED turns off.
There is a maximum value of the interference pulse current that the filter is able to pass through itself, so that the filter itself and the equipment connected to it are not damaged. There is also a maximum permissible load (the total power of all electrical appliances connected to the filter), when exceeded, the fuse will automatically work and the mains filter will turn off.
Choose a model based on your needs: some filters are designed for the home, others for the office, and others for applications with increased requirements for voltage stability.
