Even photocopiers can damage computer equipment!

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 24, 2001

Advance-Galatrek has unveiled a brand new range of Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS), targeted at mid-range computing, networks and telecoms applications

Advance-Galatrek has unveiled a brand new range of Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS), targeted at mid-range computing, networks and telecoms applications.

The StrikeSafe range of TVSS devices is intended to absorb potentially harmful transient energy generated by lightning strikes, as well as a wide range of hardware, including photocopiers, induction motors, generators, manufacturing and other office equipment.

To combat the damage that can be caused by internally generated transients - together with any surges from external sources such as lightning strikes - StrikeSafe incorporates a unique patent pending Matrix technology.

This innovative configuration provides far superior levels of transient protection than afforded by conventional devices.

It also allows the TVSS device to continue functioning in accordance with specification, even if a voltage surge damages an individual component.

Because sensitive computing and telecoms equipment can be easily damaged by voltage transients, many of the models in the StrikeSafe range include a combination of Silicon Avalanche Diode (SAD) and Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) matrices.

Because the SAD matrix can react virtually instantaneously when confronted by the sharp rising edge of a transient infected voltage waveform, it provides unbeatable performance and surge protection, guarding against potentially catastrophic damage, disruption, data loss and corruption.

The SAD matrix is also effective at a threshold that is up to 20% lower than conventional TVSS devices.

This results in a far better dissipation of excess transient energy than afforded by traditional MOV only devices.

Following operation of the SAD matrix, the secondary protection MOV matrix activates as the transient energy approaches the levels at which the SADs cannot safely operate.

This increases the TVSS surge rating and protects the SADs from over-current.

The dual protection afforded by StrikeSafe is therefore ideal for sensitive and mission critical devices, including voice networks, file and web servers and essential computer equipment.

Although most Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) and DC Standby Power Systems already incorporate basic transient protection circuitry, this is generally designed only to protect the front-end filters and rectifiers from small transients.

In order to provide satisfactory protection for a sensitive computing and comms applications, Advance-Galatrek recommends that StrikeSafe devices should be installed before the UPS or DC Power Supply.

When partnered by a UPS installation, this prevents the load from damage by surges generated by other hardware, manufacturing and office based systems.

In addition, because photocopiers can generate powerful transient voltage surges, Advance-Galatrek also suggests that a StrikeSafe TVSS device should be sited immediately before the copier.

This then absorbs any transient energy that might feed back from the copier, and which could lead to potential damage and destruction of computing and comms equipment.

To accompany the StrikeSafe launch, Advance-Galatrek has produced a catalogue containing full information on transient protection issues, with easy product selection and specification guides for computer, network and comms operators.