darkoshi: (Default)
I bought a new surge protector and have not figured out the reasoning behind one of the cautions which is listed for it:
"DO NOT install this device if there is not at least 10 meters (30 feet) of wire between the electrical outlet and electrical service panel."

So I did some searching.

This page lists the Underwriting Laboratory (UL) requirements for 4 different types of surge protectors (SPDs). Type 3 SPDs include the above requirement. It seems to me that all plug-in surge protectors would be considered Type 3 SPDs, so apparently that warning would apply to all plug-in surge protectors. But why?

This document says "Note: If the distance is less than 10m, a Type 2 SPD (or a Type 3 SPD tested to Type 2 requirements) must be used".

This thread seems to hint at the restriction/requirement being somehow related to cascaded surge protection devices.

This document ("Driving High Surge Currents into Long Cables: More begets Less") seems to have been referenced by the previous thread, and also seems related to cascaded devices.

Admittedly, I only scanned the above links, as it would take effort to try to understand all of what was written there. But I'm left wondering, is the caution which is listed for my SPD only truly applicable if it is used in conjunction with a whole-house surge protector? If so, why doesn't the caution mention that part?

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