Surge protected FCU ...

[kingeri]

So I have been asked to provide surge protection to a group of sockets in a PC area within a house. The sockets (7 doubles) are presently supplied from an FCU off the ring final. An easy solution would be to replace the FCU with one with surge protection built in. Problem is, they don't seem to exist...unless someone can point me towards one. Otherwise I am thinking of replacing the sockets themselves with surge protected ones, but these are 20 quid each.

Any bright ideas?

 

[Top Cat]

Found this, don't know how good they are:- CPN Cudis RCD Protected 13A Spur Unit with Surge Protection Connection Unit 5055598017614 | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CPN-Cudis-RCD-Protected-13A-Spur-Unit-with-Surge-Protection-Connection-Unit-/231792426778

 

[kingeri]

Thanks TC . Not sure about that one, looks a bit cheap and nasty. Still......beggars can't be choosers..

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Does your client realise that surges don't generally happen in the UK, and if they do happen (lightning strike) no amount of surge protection will protect his computers?

 

[Strima]

It doesn't mention type of surge but I'm guessing type 3. Ideally you would need type 1/2 at the origin the lessen the initial surge.

 

[kingeri]

Guys, I totally agree. I have tried to tell him. Basically he has convinced himself that one of his PCs died due to a 'power surge' and he is adamant he wants some kind of protection. Might have to come up with some kind of placebo for him so he thinks he has it (just kidding).

 

[rolyberkin]

https://uk.farnell.com/pro-elec/951...661446&CATCI=aud-310054926231:pla-57456869290

 

[Deleted member 26818]

What about installing the Surge Protection in or near the CU?

 

[kingeri]

What about installing the Surge Protection in or near the CU?

Yep, been considering it. He might be going for a CU change later in the year, so I might put it to him. I'm sure he'll jump at the chance to surge protect every appliance in his house!!

 

[DPG]

Does your client realise that surges don't generally happen in the UK, and if they do happen (lightning strike) no amount of surge protection will protect his computers?

Not true. Surge protection can protect against lightning induced transients caused by distant strikes. Not direct hits obviously.

 

[Toneyz]

These things like the surge protection and AFDD need to be chosen on engineering design and risk assessment not because they are the latest buss word/must have. I do hope there will be the unscrupulous who will be talking people they need it as its the new regs.

 

[Des 56]

If there are a relatively low number of Lightening strikes that affect the domestic customer in this country,there is still very good reason that surge protection sometimes be installed

electrical and electronic equipment is also continually stressed by hundreds of transients that occur every day on the power supply network through switching operations of inductive loads such as air-conditioning units, lift motors and transformers. Switching transients may also occur as a result of interrupting short-circuit currents (such as fuses blowing)

It does seems the devices may be worthwhile to protect your own electronic equipment from itself and your neighbours gear

 

[GeorgeCooke]

It does seems the devices may be worthwhile to protect your own electronic equipment from itself and your neighbours gear

Yes but computer power supplies etc already have such protection built in.