What are transient voltages?

A power disturbance known as a “transient,” “spike,” or “surge” is a very brief but extreme burst of extra energy (voltage x current x time). These can occur on AC power lines, signal, and telephone or data lines.

Are transients a new problem?

No. Transients are a natural result of any electrical activity and have existed ever since Edison ran the first power line. They are generated every time wires, motors or electrical elements are energized or de-energized. The only new thing about transients is within Solid State Technology where the components are more susceptible to transients.

Where do transients originate?

Approximately 20% of all transients originate outside the facility from such sources as lightning, utility grid switching, switching large capacitor banks on the utility lines, electrical accidents or heavy motors or loads from nearby industry. The remaining 80% are generated inside the facility and come from unsuspected sources such as microwave ovens, laser printers and copiers, air conditioner motors, hair dryers, refrigerators, and even electrical devices or lights turning on and off.

Why should I be concerned about transients?

Each generation of microcircuit chips becomes faster, smaller and more densely populated. This technological progress results in greater risks as these new designs are less tolerant of small electrical disruptions and are more susceptible to damage by transients. Concern comes from broad use of microprocessor technology. Every new automated function makes us more dependent on computer technology and, therefore, more vulnerable to inconveniences when these devices fail. These disruptions can have devastating effects with life threatening consequences when interrupting communications, traffic control, medical functions or weapon systems operations. At the very least, these disruptions may cause inconvenience and frustration.

How can I avoid transients?

The only sure way to avoid these problems is to not use microelectronics. Since this is an unreasonable option to most people, you can enjoy the use of modern conveniences with minimal frustration with a Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor. The TVSS keeps the electrical supply within micro-circuitry tolerances.

Why don’t manufacturers build TVSS’s inside the equipment?

There are three primary reasons that vendors don’t build surge suppression inside their equipment.
    · Cost
    · Lack of consumer demand
    · Replaceability
Manufacturers, specifically those that produce electronics, are constantly striving for lower costs in a very competitive environment. When just a few dollars is often the determining factor in product selection a manufacturer is unable to add costs unless the customer demands it as a necessary feature. Also, a TVSS sacrifices itself before allowing damaging transients to pass into the protected equipment. Since the TVSS may suffer damage, it needs to be replaceable easily and immediately, which is more difficult if the suppressor is housed within the electrical device. The MGD-IT Protector® is a passive parallel device which is installed at the power panel thereby protecting every system on that panel. This is a more cost effective approach than having a TVSS on each separate system.

Are all surge suppressors created equal?

No. Most surge suppressors use the same primary clamping component, known as Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV). However, the supporting circuitry, circuit board design, wiring techniques, and product features can result in product qualities that range from highly effective to ineffective and even dangerous. While not always true, “You get what you pay for” is a general indication of a TVSS’s capabilities. There is a wide selection of high, medium, and lower quality devices available and the cheaper devices are made so by sacrificing either protective or safety features.

Are the UL and CSA labels a guarantee of quality?

Yes and no. The UL and CSA labels are mandatory but they only indicate a minimum level of safety. The UL 1449 2nd Edition and CSA do not verify that the product meets the manufacturers specifications or signify the product’s level of protection. The surge voltage rating only states that the product contains suppression components. UL’s highest surge rating is very obtainable so that even the least capable product can receive a respectable rating. As per the US Navy requirement, the MGD-IT Protector® passed MILSTD 1399 which is a much more stringent test than those used in general industry standards.

Don’t fuses and circuit breakers protect against transients?

No. Over current protection devices such as fuses and circuit breakers (whether thermal or magnetic) respond to heat or currents caused by downline faults. These devices are too slow to react to transients because they are designed to protect again long term overvoltages and faults. If they reacted to every transient, no matter how minute, fuses would pop many times everyday. The only protection against transients is Transient Voltage Surge Suppression.

Does just my computer need protection?

No. All microprocessor devices are vulnerable to transient disruption and damage. Home electronics, appliances, electronic instruments, communication devices, telemetry equipment, medical instrumentation, factory automation, electronic ballasts, traffic controllers, radars, navigation systems, banking machines, theme park rides, cash registers, gas pumps etc. can all benefit from protection against transients.

How do I protect all of the electronics in my home or facility?

Any device that plugs into a wall outlet can easily be protected with a plugstrip suppressor. Larger devices such as major appliances, direct wired equipment, process automation, and even full facilities can be protected by wiring suppressors directly to the electrical panels. This is very cost effective considering the cost to replace all of the devices on the panel should a transient disruption occur. It is also an efficient way to improve the effectiveness of any wallmount suppressors. By eliminating the bulk of the transient at the electrical panel, the suppressor at the wall outlet is able to eliminate more of the disturbance.

Is there a TVSS available for home use?

Yes. We have devices for nearly every application, including smaller units for home electric panels.

How long will my MGD-IT Protector® last?

Under normal operation your MGD-IT Protector® will operate indefinitely. An industry-leading design staff recognized for years of innovation and leadership has engineered all IT devices. Their top-of-the-line testing facility assures maximum efficiency, accuracy, quality and dependability. IT demonstrates its faith in their product with a 20-year warranty on all panel mount products.

What if I need technical advice?

We have technical staff available 24 hours a day to answer any questions on installation and application. Also, before the sale our technical support team is on call to do site surveys and application checks anywhere in the continental United States at no additional charge.