Multiple Surge Protectors - Short #236 · HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs summary

Key takeaways

It is not harmful to use multiple surge protectors in a system, but cost-effectiveness should be considered.
Surge protectors use MOVs to shunt excess voltage, but they are sacrificial and need replacement over time.
Proper wiring and grounding are crucial for effective surge protection.
DITEK's Kool Guard 2 is recommended for its reliability and warranty support.
Avoid over-selling protection equipment; be sensible in recommendations.

Summary

Understanding Surge Protectors

In this episode, Bryan tackles a question from a listener about the use of surge protectors, specifically regarding the ICM 493 model that already includes one. He explains that having multiple surge protectors, like one at the disconnect panel in addition to the ICM 493, is not considered daisy chaining and doesn't harm the system. Surge protectors employ metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to shunt excess voltage away from sensitive equipment, and while they are sacrificial and wear out over time, having multiple devices in place is a good idea to enhance protection. Bryan emphasizes the importance of proper wiring and grounding for the best surge protection.

Choosing the Right Surge Protection Products

Bryan shares his preference for using DITEK's Kool Guard 2 as the surge protector currently being used in their company. He discusses some past challenges seen with the ICM 493 and highlights the advantages of the Kool Guard 2, particularly in preventing equipment failures and reducing nuisance trips. Although DITEK is not a sponsor, Bryan appreciates their product support and warranty features. He cautions against over-selling surge protectors, advising that while having more than one does not hurt the system, it is unnecessary to go beyond common sense in protecting equipment.

Best Practices in Surge Protection Installation

Finally, Bryan discusses best practices for installing surge protectors emphasizing the importance of wiring them in parallel with the circuit to ground. He talks about the benefits of having additional protection, such as whole-home surge protectors along with individual devices. However, he notes that even the best surge protectors cannot guarantee safety against direct lightning strikes, but they do provide substantial protection from power surges.

Show notes

In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question asking whether you can use another surge protector at the disconnect panel with an ICM 493 already in place.

Using multiple surge protectors in the configuration described does NOT count as daisy-chaining. Surge protectors with MOVs (metal oxide varistors) shunt current from high voltage to ground by reducing their resistance. MOVs are sacrificial, so they wear out over time. Surge protectors don't last forever, so installing multiple is a fine idea.

You can have whole-home surge protection with additional surge protectors positioned at the appliances/electronics. While it can be done and doesn't hurt anything, it's not the most cost-effective solution.

When you install a surge protector, wire it in parallel with the circuit to ground. It should be wired properly with the shortest possible path to ground. In any case, many surge protectors won't hold up against direct lightning strikes, but they will protect the equipment from power surges after power comes back on or constant overvoltage.

Our company, Kalos Services, now uses DITEK's Kool Guard 2 as our surge protector and voltage monitor of choice. They also provide warranties for their products, which have come in handy for customers.

Learn more about the DITEK Kool Guard 2 at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.com/product-series/intelligent-voltage-monitoring/.

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Multiple Surge Protectors - Short #236