surge protectors

[ZippyDan]

some one explain to me why we still use sacrificial movs that eventually result in having to replace the surge protector (and who knows when to replace a surge protector?) and why we cant use circuit breaker technology instead? is it an issue of speed (are all circuit breakers mechanical?)? is it an issue of the amount of energy (even with a broken circuit you could have arcing?)?

im looking to buy some battery backups right now. most give you readings on when the battery needs to be replaced, but which ones give you readings on when the surge suppression is shot?

thanks

 

[Blain]

I don't really trust MOV protectors very much.
There are surge protectors that don't use them, but you don't want to pay the price.

I've gone to a Delta surge protection scheme for the whole house.

* Delta Lightning Arrestor LA302-R...
"Although a lightning arrestor helps to prevent high voltage spikes from infiltrating your circuits, it does not protect against the common smaller surges."

* Delta Surge Capacitor CA302-R...
"Surge Capacitors pick up where lightning arrestors leave off and protect you against the smaller surges, which occur every day."

 

[AnnonUSA]

Circuit breakers while offering protection, would be a nuisance because they would trip and turn off power to the device. Where a surge protector allows the devices to remain functional while affording a minimum amount of protection.

And I think that most surges would be quick enough to get through without tripping the breaker.

 

[Zap]

If you want the best protection, then I think you need a voltage regulator.

UPS with volage regulation

voltage stabilizer

There's probably others available. That was just a quick check on Newegg for cheap ones.

 

[ZippyDan]

any good way to test a surge protector's movs to see if it is still good or needs replacing? im trying to come up with a maintenance schedule. if theres no good way to test it then you just replace them every x? years?