OT - surge protectors

[verbs4us]

So the amplifier blew and I brought it to the shop and the repair guy, who is a factory certified tech, diagnosed the problem as one internal fuse blown-- which he had never seen (on this model amp) in 25 years of servicing. So I suspect my surge protector is not protective. Electrician comes out and says that surge protectors have a limited life (who knew?) since Con Ed is allowed some fluctuation on the voltage coming in the house. And there might have been a few thunderstorms, etc. Bottom line is a ten-year-old surge protector needs replacing because they wear out. Anyone have recommendations, other than "the cheapest Amazon has", to protect a tube amp that is worth something?

[Black Dog]

Call an electrician and have whole house surge protection installed at the panel. best solution by far.

[sitzmark]

For valuable electronics best to go with high quality UPS/Surge, but if need something inexpensive and quick-to-deploy with better than average protection ...

TrippLite Isobar (ISOBLOK2-0). Will run $25-$35 depending on where you buy it. Should be available through Amazon.

[pjm]

Unplug it when you’re not using it. Thats what I do with my stuff.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by sitzmark

For valuable electronics best to go with high quality UPS/Surge, but if need something inexpensive and quick-to-deploy with better than average protection ...

TrippLite Isobar (ISOBLOK2-0). Will run $25-$35 depending on where you buy it. Should be available through Amazon.

Just picked up one of these about a month ago...

[cderalow]

Originally Posted by Black Dog

Call an electrician and have whole house surge protection installed at the panel. best solution by far.

this, followed with one at the equipment itself as well.

[Bob Ross]

Get one that doesn't use MOVs. They are not only sacrificial when they're hit with a surge, but they're also the component that "wears out" [sic] under normal voltage conditions.

...eventually.

[Ken Robb]

what is an MOV?

[Louis]

There's some good info here:

https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-surge-protector/

The recommend a Tripp Lite, but if you want to go whole-hog they say a Furman Powerstation 8 ($145) is the way to go.

[kingpin75s]

Originally Posted by Louis

if you want to go whole-hog they say a Furman Powerstation 8 ($145) is the way to go.

My understanding is these are a good product and a very good value.

A power conditioner with surge suppression which is a good choice when it comes to an amp of any kind. Surge suppression systems alone will generally add noise to your system. A conditioner should filter low level noise and protect the equipment.

I run Shunyata power conditioners so I have clearly bought in to the value of the product type. They have made a difference in my system and the protection is important for all my tubes.

[Tony T]

Also a good idea to use one on you cable, satellite or antenna and telephone/DSL line.

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

what is an MOV?

Metal-Oxide Varistor

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

what is an MOV?

Metal Oxide Varistor.

The two specs you should be interested in when purchasing a surge protector are:

Response Time-faster is better.

The number of Joules the unit is rated to handle-more is better.

The fuse in your amp protected your amp, so I wouldn't sweat it. You may want to ask your repair shop technician if they can relocate the fuseholder so the fuse would be user-replaceable.

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

what is an MOV?

Metal Oxide Varistor.

The two specs you should be interested in when purchasing a surge protector are:

Response Time-faster is better.

The number of Joules the unit is rated to handle-more is better.

The fuse in your amp protected your amp, so I wouldn't sweat it. You may want to ask your repair shop technician if they can relocate the fuseholder so the fuse would be user-replaceable.

What kind of amp are you talking about; a stereo or musical instrument amp?

[verbs4us]

Many thanks guys. Great info here, as always. And I learned a new term: metal oxide varistor. Is it made of drillium?