Effects Of Lightning/Incorrect Voltages - Furman PL-8 Owner's Manual

PL-8/PL-PLUS POWER CONDITIONER
Please note that the voltage reading is
advisory only. The PL-PLUS does not
compensate for high or low line voltage.
If you frequently move your rack to
different locations, derive power from
generators, use long extension cords,
travel internationally or are in an area
prone to brownouts, you may benefit
from the use of one of Furman's AR
Series AC Line Voltage Regulators.
220/240 VOLT VERSIONS
("E" SUFFIX)
Versions of the PL-8 and PL-PLUS
with the "E" suffix are intended for use
in countries with nominal 220 to 240
volt AC lines. These units have 10 rear
panel outlets, using the internationally
accepted IEC-320 connectors, and are
rated at 10 amps. The voltmeter on the
PL-PLUS E reads from 180 to 256 volts
AC.
EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING AND
INCORRECT VOLTAGES
Lightning presents the most difficult
circumstance faced by power
protection products. The degree of
protection a PL-8 or PL-PLUS unit can
offer depends on the intensity of the
strike. If lightning strikes a distant power
line and causes a relatively small
disturbance to reach your location, the
spike suppressors in the PL unit will
absorb the excess voltage invisibly and
harmlessly. However, if lightning strikes
the actual building where the PL unit
is installed (or somewhere nearby),
some damage may be unavoidable
due to the extremely high voltage and
current present. If this does occur, the
damage, most likely, will be limited to
the PL unit itself and will affect only the
spike suppression components (called
varistors or MOV's.) In this "suicide"
mode, the PL unit will sustain minor
damage to itself. However, it generally
will protect all equipment plugged into
it from much more serious and costly
damage as long as that equipment is
properly grounded. Proper grounding
requires the use of three-prong AC
cords and that the outlets themselves
are actually grounded (as specified by
electrical codes).
Any PL unit known to have taken a
direct lightning hit should be checked
by a qualified technician or Furman
factory staff to determine whether the
MOVs need replacement. (If they are
damaged, the PL unit may appear
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