TruPower Associates Application Note #104

Application Note: Protecting Computer

Protecting s -- Sur
Computers ge Suppression at the P
Surg anel
Panel
The first line of defense and the easiest way to protect
computers and sensitive electronic equipment from tran-
sient voltage surges is the installation of transient voltage
suppression devices.* Transients are overvoltages that
may be triggered by external or internal factors.

The external transient voltage surge that comes to mind

first is lightning; however, other factors such as grid switch-
ing by the utility, load switching in nearby facilities, etc.
can also trigger a surge. Energy enters the facility over
the electric wires and may damage or destroy compo-
nents and/or equipment. The company experiences costly
downtime and productivity loss. Meter-Treater's Main
Panel Treater (pictured) is designed as a modular Tran-
sient Protection System for the facility's main AC power
distribution point and switchboard panel locations to pro-
tect against transient voltage surges. It has a surge rating
of up to 320kA.

Many experts agree that much of the transient surge ac-

tivity is generated internally from variable-speed drives,
HVAC, and other machinery. The Meter-Treater BrancBranchh
Panel Treater is a transient voltage surge suppression
system designed for local and branch AC power distribu-
tion panels and has a surge rating of up to 240kA..
The Equipment P anel Treater is a hardware surge pro-
Panel
tection device for local and specific equipment panel pro-
tection and has a surge rating of up to 80kA.
Specifications ffor
or Panel Treater
Panel s:
reaters:
■ UL 1449, 2nd edition listed. (Listing to RFI/EMI noise
filtering UL 1283, 3rd edition is an option.)
■ Solid-state MOV (40mm) suppression components
and Meter-Treater's patented integrated thermal
overload protection.
Meter-Treater Main Panel Treater
Transient Voltage Surge Surpressor
■ Low impedance construction for superior low voltage
clamping. True RMS sensing on all functions.
■ 5 Year Warranty.
■ Fault current rating: 25kA rms symmetrical for the
Main Panel Treater and Branch Panel Treater; 10kA
for the Equipment Panel Treater.
■ Main & Branch Panel Treater: Comprehensive front
panel diagnostics with LED indicators/audio alarm.
■ NEMA 12 enclosure with Main & Branch Panel Treat-
ers; extruded aluminum enclosure with Equipment
Panel Treater.
*Of course, all sensitive plug-in devices should also be protected
with point-of-use suppressors.

TruPower Associates, Inc., 3922L Ver

ruPo o Road, Baltimore
ero Baltimore,, MD 21227, (410)242-2300 FAX (410)242-2808
FAX