"Phil Allison" wrote in message
...

bud-- wrote:


As explained in the IEEE surge guide
(starting page 30) plug-in protectors work primarily by limiting the
voltage from each wire to the ground at the protector.

** Connecting MOVs to ground like that in a *plug-in device* is prohibited
on safety grounds under EU and similar regulations as followed in most
230/240 V places - like Australia where I am.

MOVs either have or can develop after some use leakage currents well in
excess of the maximum permitted, which is only a milliamp or so for most
categories of appliances.

The only components that may be so connected are agency approved " Y caps "
with values like 4.7nF - while MOVs and " X caps" always go across the
line.



.... Phil



Slightly OT but .....
In the UK you can buy "surge protected" multi outlet extensions like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sivitec-Swit...rge+protection

Problem is, these can't be tested with a typical PAT Tester, as they fail
the test every time, being as there is circuitry between live and ground.



Gareth.