Comments on: How can I add surge protection to an existing receptacle?

By: afterthought

afterthought — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:43:59 +0000

I think you are talking about a Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor,also known as a TVSS.It is a protective device for limiting transient voltages by diverting or limiting surge current.It also prevents continued flow of follow current while remaining capable of repeating theses functions.
A TVSS is an integral component of a receptacle,providing local point of use protection of equipment when transient events occur within the home.
You can find them at an electrical supply house and will replace your existing receptacle.
Good luck
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By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:34:59 +0000

USA I agree with Jim about a true surge suppressor. But, I think you just want something for your TV and other attached gadgets, in which case you might want a plug-in multi-outlet surge protection strip.

Here are the basics: Energy is measured in Joules. The more joules, the more energy. You want to protect your equipment from as high a number of joules as you can afford. Circuit city sells one for about $100 that protects up to several thousand joules, and they back it up with a warranty that if your equipment gets fried when plugged in to their protector, they will pay for the damaged equipment.

The 10 and 20 dollar surge protectors protect your stuff from small surges, so small that they probably wouldn’t hurt the equipment anyway. Don’t put your faith in them. They make a convenient place to plug in several items, that is all they are good for.

Either get a good one, or – and this is the best method – unplug your stuff when not in use.
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By: D2

D2 — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:56:59 +0000

you can have gfic breakers installed in your breaker box,they work pretty good for s.p. they will break if a certain amount of voltage or amps hits that breaker or line
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By: marvin A

marvin A — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:15:59 +0000

You can buy a small surge protector at HD or Lowes or Ace Hardware, or etc.
It’s small and just plugs into the wall outlet and then you plug the tv plug into it.
I have one for the refrigerator and the tv myself.
Mind you I dont know how well they work except for what I red on the packaging (like everyone else) but they are certified by Underwriters Laboratories.
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By: Jim W

Jim W — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:48:59 +0000

True surge suppressors are very hard for a DIY project to install properly. The hardware itself runs about $1000 per circuit and the smallest one is a 6 circuit unit. The strips sold as surge suppressors are not always true surge suppressors. Call a qualified professional electrician.
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