Surge Protectors-Power Strips-Safety Item

Surge Protectors-Power Strips-Safety Item

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-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] Surge Protectors-Power Strips-Safety Item
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 10:21:10 -0800
From: "Erwin Hayer"
To: riolinda@vrx.net

RL/E Net
I received the following safety message on Surge Protectors and Power Strips. I have extracted the text and will send the photos to Jay.
Erwin

If there is one pervasive adverse safety hazard , it involves the improper use of surge protectors and/or power strips. In almost every unit we inspect, surge protectors and extension cords are being seriously abused. The below information on surge protectors and the accompanying photographs should be widely disseminated to all. Surge protectors are proliferating. THEY CAN BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS
when used improperly --

A few tips: (For office and home)

NEVER "daisy chain" surge protectors. (i.e., Hook them together "in series," where one surge protector is plugged into another to either increase the number of available outlets or extend their reach.)
Do not use for high amperage, high draw appliances. (i.e., space heaters, coffee pots, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.)
FREQUENTLY inspect the surge protectors for heat build-up, signs of heat damage, or mechanical damage.
If you find yourself tempted to overload surge protectors or hook them together, consider altering the lay-out of your area or moving the appliance where it can be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

We have previously had fires as a direct result of the misuse of surge protectors/power strips, and we will have more fires if people continue to abuse them.

An employee arrived at the Greensport Yard in Houston this morning to find the field office full of smoke. Investigation led him to a melted down surge protector (see attached photos).

An office-by-office search revealed another surge protector, of the same brand and model as above, that was starting to melt down (see attached photos). IT WAS READY TO BLOW!

The manufacturer, Newpoint, was contacted to see if similar incidents have occurred with this product. Newpoint stated that the surge protector had absorbed all of the energy it was capable of absorbing and melted down as a result. The surge protectors involved were not on a recall list.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SURGE PROTECTORS

Most modern businesses and homes are supplied with 220-volt power systems. Heavy draw appliances such as air conditioners, dryers, and electric stoves operate on 220-volts and are not protected by surge protectors. Other appliances operate on 110-volts. These include computers, microwaves, stereo equipment and TV sets. These items are often used with surge protectors. The normal voltage flow will range from 110-117 volts. Surge Protectors are designed to trap the voltage that exceeds those limits. Excessive voltage occurs due to power spikes.

When these spikes occur for a sufficient duration, this activates the trapping device, a Metal Oxide Varistor MOV), located in the surge protector. The MOV is the heart of surge suppressors. The role of the MOV is to divert surge current. However, MOVs wear out with use. As more surges are diverted, the MOVs life span shortens, and failure becomes imminent. There is no forewarning or visual indications given - just failure. And while failing, they can reach very high temperatures, and actually start fires.

Most surge protectors will continue to function as a power strip, even though the surge trap mechanism may have been destroyed by the power spike. This presents two possible dangers: 1) If another power surge should occur, it can damage the equipment or appliances that are plugged into this surge protector, and 2) If sufficient voltage passes through the surge protector due to a second power spike, a resistant short may have been formed, allowing heating to occur and a fire to ignite.

When buying this equipment, look for a surge protector with an indicator light that tells you if the protection components are functioning. All MOVs will burn out after repeated power surges. Without an indicator light, you have no way of knowing if your protector is still functioning properly. Unfortunately due to manufacturing differences, the light may be "on" or "off" during proper operation. It is important to review the operating instructions provided with the surge protector.

Every year, thousands of fires result from surge protectors, power strips and electrical cords. Listed below are some suggestions to help prevent a possible fire from igniting.

USE ONLY SURGE PROTECTORS OR POWER STRIPS THAT HAVE AN INTERNAL CIRCUIT BREAKER. These units will trip the breaker if the power strip is over loaded or shorted to prevent overheating and fire.
Any surge protector or power strip that has frayed wires, or has a unit that is not working properly, replace them immediately.
Surge protectors, power strips, or extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring.
If at any time the surge protector or power strip is hot to the touch remove and replace the unit. The electrical load for this strip should be evaluated for overloading.
Do not plug a surge protector or power strip into an existing surge protector or power strip. This practice is called "daisy chaining" or "piggy backing" and can lead to serious problems.
The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label must never be removed from the unit. On the underside of the casing, there should be the manufacturer's name and the name of the testing lab where the unit was tested.
Do not locate a surge protector or power strip in any area where the unit would be covered with carpet, furniture, or any other item that will limit or prevent air circulation.
Do not locate a surge protector in a moist environment.

All surge protectors or power strips need to be UL approved. Be sure that the product is listed as a TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SURGE SUPPRESSOR. This means that it meets the criteria for UL 1449, UL's minimum performance standard for surge suppressors. There are a lot of power strips listed by UL that have no surge protection components at all. They are listed only for their performance as extension cords. On a UL listed surge protectors, you will find a couple of ratings. Look for:

*       Clamping voltage. This tells you what voltage will cause the MOVs to conduct electricity to the ground line. A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection. There are three levels of protection in the UL rating -- 330 V, 400 V and 500 V. Generally, a clamping voltage more than 400V is too high.

*       Energy absorption/dissipation. This rating, given in joules, tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher number indicates greater protection. Look for a protector that is at least rated at 200 to 400 joules. For better protection, look for a rating of 600 joules or more.

*       Response time. Surge protectors don't kick in immediately; there is a very slight delay as they respond to the power surge. A longer response time tells you that your computer (or other equipment) will be exposed to the surge for a greater amount of time. Look for a surge protector that responds in less than one nanosecond.

Visually inspect all surge protectors or power strips on a regular basis to ensure that they are not damaged or showing signs of wear or damage. During the visual inspection, ensure that the plug is fully engaged in their respective outlets. The surge protector or power strips should always have either a polarized plug with one of the blades being larger then the other one or a three-prong grounded plug. Never use a three to two prong adapter to power the unit. Surge protectors or power strips should have a cord of no more than 6 feet in length. When the surge protector or plug strip is not in use, unplug the cord from the power source.

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