What Does A Coaxial Surge Protector Do?
For anyone connected to LAN lines or cable, the coaxial surge protector is especially helpful, as cable and LAN lines can be more affected by spikes in voltage than regular outlets. Due to their design, regular protectors do not provide as much protection, and this may leave you wondering if you need a coaxial surge protector instead. With this device, your coax cable lines are connected right into the grounding. The result of this design is that the surge is stopped before it ever reaches the main line where it can affect your electronics.
GDT (gas discharge tube) technology is used to accomplish the task of surge protection for coax cables. Special gas tubes with the GDT design are used to tell when a surge is happening. The gas starts to swell in the tubes when too much electricity flows into them. When the surge then reacts with the gas, it dies down and is eliminated. After the surge is stopped, the gas then dissipates and the tube is reverted back to normal.
Two types of designs of coaxial protectors are in use. The inline coaxial surge protector is the most common, and uses female and male connections in a simple device to attach it to the grounding. The second design contains its own grounding element and is slightly more complex. The second one is good to use with inferior electrical connections, and it is known as a ground block coaxial surge protector. Inline protectors can be used in such situations, but in these cases, a coaxial sheild must be purchased.
No matter what type of protector is purchased, each will have different specs according to the design and use. It may be confusing to consumers trying to figure out which is the best coaxial surge protector. It is always safe to stick with the basics if there is no help available from a retailer. Purchase protectors with 100 nanoseconds of protection ability time, and that have gold plating. Some manufacturers offer compensation of $20,000 or more if the device fails and causes damage. Be sure the protector you purchase includes this insurance.
In asking, then, are coaxial surge protectors needed, the answer is yes. The devices provide defense that is not available using traditional protectors that are not connected to grounding. The coaxials are inexpensive overall, and can be bought for under $5. The plug-in variety may cost $30 or more, by contrast. The choice of whether to use a coaxial surge protector becomes clear when all of this information is considered.