Office surge protection advice

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Hey folks,

For insurance purposes we need to have all our electronic equipment surge protected. At the moment only our critical server equipment is being protected.

What would be a good solution to do this quickly and affordably for around 15 - 20 workstations?

 

[tony dovey]

Take a look at the surge plug from Ellies
http://www.elsat.co.za/index.php?id=423
Cheap and easy

 

[TheMightyQuin]

Buy and install 15 - 20 surge protectors.

 

[sajunky]

Clearline has a good reputation . But for so many computers you need outside buiding protection. As a principle don't let surge to go inside building. Then use Clearline retail devices as a secondary protection. Get consultant to come to your place and trained personel to install the equipment. Out of box solutions usually don't work.

 

[bdt]

When you say 'protected', are you also looking at Ethernet, or only mains? I ask as I've lost equipment (mostly IP cameras to be fair, but also boards through the network port) to surges that way than I have to mains-related ones.

 

[TheMightyQuin]

Clearline has a good reputation . But for so many computers you need outside buiding protection. As a principle don't let surge to go inside building. Then use Clearline retail devices as a secondary protection. Get consultant to come to your place and trained personel to install the equipment. Out of box solutions usually don't work.

He clearly stated that he needs a quick and affordable solution. Otherwise I would have suggested a dedicated circuit with an Online UPS solution. That is the perfect solution, but neither quick or cheap.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Thanks for the replies folks!

Would it fine if I just get those surge protected multi-plugs and use those? If so, what brands would you recommend.

 

[bdt]

When you say 'protected', are you also looking at Ethernet, or only mains? I ask as I've lost equipment (mostly IP cameras to be fair, but also boards through the network port) to surges that way than I have to mains-related ones.

Thanks for the replies folks!

Would it fine if I just get those surge protected multi-plugs and use those? If so, what brands would you recommend.

*cough*

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

*cough*

All the core network equipment is running through a UPS. It is only desktop PCs that I need to "protect".

 

[bdt]

All the core network equipment is running through a UPS. It is only desktop PCs that I need to "protect".

Either way, it sounds like you're only really protecting the power side of things - unless your (big-ass?) UPS has Ethernet pass-through as well? ...or is it simply not really an issue in the first place?

 

[garyc]

Has anyone asked the insurance company if they have technical criteria on the level of surge protection required?

 

[sajunky]

Either way, it sounds like you're only really protecting the power side of things - unless your (big-ass?) UPS has Ethernet pass-through as well? ...or is it simply not really an issue in the first place?

You need protection for both, Ethernet port and power outlet linked to the same ground point (v.short wire). Total power of power protector should be rated for all devices attached to workstation. It you protect PC, but forget about your printer, potential difference will unload through the interface cable and blow interface ports (printer or PC).
As for recomended brand I already mentioned Clearline, but I didn't have a contact for couple years.

Stay away from Ellies, they are importing and rebranding cheap Chineese stuff. They have no focus on quality and have no quality verification in place. I bought from them LED bulb with internal backup battery. The charging circuit is not capable to maintain LEB light, it gets dimmer and dimmer even when permanently connected to the power outlet. With proper quality verification they woudn't import such product.

 

[bdt]

You need protection for both, Ethernet port and power outlet linked to the same ground point (v.short wire). Total power of power protector should be rated for all devices attached to workstation. It you protect PC, but forget about your printer, potential difference will unload through the interface cable and blow interface ports (printer or PC). As for recomended brand I already mentioned Clearline, but I didn't have a contact for couple years.

Oh I'm with you here, hence my line of questioning; and, as I said, I'm rather more concerned protecting Ethernet cable runs that I know to be very attractive to storm-induced surges than I am about mains-related.

 

[sajunky]

Everything in electricity is relative. True, that phone line is more frequently exposed to lightning, but the loop is closing on your power outlet. Running on battery you are exposed only to difference between two phone wires, not a common potential agains power lines. So common ground creates common sense, isn't?

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

You guys have given me a bit to think about. I'll find out more regarding the insurance requirements.