Surge Protector Recommendations?

Post by **mgwolf** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:50 pm

Hi all. New to this forum. I just got a Vivaldi Mini and, given the funny plug design, I need a new surge protector. Any recommendations. I'm guessing the Home Depot probably wouldn't have one like this. Michael

Post by **Niko** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:52 pm

Try this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Panamax-M2A20-20A ... 816&sr=8-1

Post by **JohnB** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:48 pm

Just ordered one of those. Tried back in January but everyone was out of stock.

Post by **Niko** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:44 pm

You'll like it, John.
Just make sure the lights work properly because I had to exchange the last one I bought in January. The green light on the left (showing protection) wasn't lit, I have a suspicion that it was a blown one that someone returned.

The illustration doesn't show it well, sorry about my crude drawing as well - just plug it in and make sure the two opposite green lights glow to kind of look like one solid curved line

The red in the middle (obviously) shows a bad ground in your line.

Post by **themenace** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:59 pm

I also have just received my MINI but wasn't aware I require a surge protector---I just assumed they are already self protected---is this not the case or what? HELP

Dennis

chas · Post by **chas** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:21 pm

I would say it's prudent but not mandatory. All S1 models have a computer control board so it could get zapped by a nearby lightening strike just like your computer or TV could. It's cheap insurance.

Post by **Niko** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:33 am

Didn't your first S1 (controller board) get zapped in a lightning storm, Chas?

chas · Post by **chas** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:09 am

No. The first S1s came with a controller board that was programmed to drive the LEDs backwards in temp set mode; i.e if you set the temp for 95+2C it would set for 95-2C. Chris got LaSpaziale to correct it and sent all users a new board at no charge.

So I have had to replace one. If you've looked at where it's located and all the stuff above and around it, you know it's something you don't want to do.

Post by **JohnB** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:03 pm

Did everyone buy from Amazon? It seems that the factory warranty is void if bought from anyone other then an Authorized Dealer & there are few of those that carry this model. Amazon is not one of their dealers.

Post by **Niko** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:09 pm

I would get it from Amazon because of their return policy.
Besides, it's only 40 bucks (or so) depending on the stock market. The manufacturer lists it at $90 retail

Post by **JohnB** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:51 pm

Niko wrote:I would get it from Amazon because of their return policy.
Besides, it's only 40 bucks (or so) depending on the stock market. The manufacturer lists it at $90 retail

Typical Authorized Dealer price is $49 + sh so not a big difference. The factory warranty also covers your equipment if damaged as a result of the s/p failure to protect. Of course I'm sure they have lots of "fine print" hoops in that warranty you'd have to jump through to collect anything.

Post by **Niko** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 2:52 pm

JohnB wrote:Of course I'm sure they have lots of "fine print" hoops in that warranty you'd have to jump through to collect anything.

No kidding....
At that point I'd rather spend another $40 on a new one again from Amazon.

Post by **JohnB** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:45 pm

Niko wrote:
JohnB wrote:Of course I'm sure they have lots of "fine print" hoops in that warranty you'd have to jump through to collect anything.
No kidding....
At that point I'd rather spend another $40 on a new one again from Amazon.

I was referring to their $5000 equipment warranty that would replace the S1 if damaged while using their S/P. They don't even spell it out on their website, you have to call Customer Service to get the details. They feel that only their Authorized Internet Retailers are capable of guiding you through a proper installation of the product.

Post by **Niko** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 6:40 pm

Oops, sorry....that warranty

Sorry, I didn't think those things ever pan out so I completely blocked it out of my mind.

Post by **hlsheppard** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:51 pm

I have and love my TrippLite Ultracopy surge protector.

http://www.twacomm.com/catalog/model_ULTRACOPY.htm

Unfortunately, they seem to be no longer available. If you can find one - I highly recommend it!

Post by **gsscott** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:23 pm

Here is what I ordered and installed. It is a flush mounted surge outlet.

Leviton White Decora LED SURGE Receptacle Outlet 20A 5380-W

http://www.fruitridgetools.com/storefro ... 171&dfid=1

chas · Post by **chas** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 9:01 pm

I just installed one of those to replace a big ugly Tripplite. Unfortunately, the place in your link is out of stock and they also seem to be the only place I found that charges 50% of what everyone else does. Even at $40 rather than $20 I think this is an ideal solution, especially for newbies.

You should have a surge suppressor on your LaSpaz AND most folks need to replace their 15A receptacle with a 20A receptacle. If you go this route you get the surge suppressor AND the outlet for the price of a surge suppressor.

BEFORE

AFTER (The Green LED should be lit but I took this after installation but before resetting the breaker!)

chas · Post by **chas** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 9:08 pm

chas wrote:I just installed one of those to replace a big ugly Tripplite. Unfortunately, the place in your link is out of stock and they also seem to be the only place I found that charges 50% of what everyone else does. Even at $40 rather than $20 I think this is an ideal solution, especially for newbies.

You should have a surge suppressor on your LaSpaz AND most folks need to replace their 15A receptacle with a 20A receptacle. If you go this route you get the surge suppressor AND the outlet for the price of a surge suppressor.

I ordered mine from Smarthome. They only have Ivory and stock is low on that. I googled this part and found this place that charges the same but also carries white, grey, brown, and even blue.
http://www.onestopbuy.com/5380-I-7989.asp

BEFORE

AFTER (The Green LED should be lit but I took this after installation but before resetting the breaker!)

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Post by **JohnB** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:02 pm

It certainly cleans up the outlet but I'm surprised you have other equipment sharing the same circuit.

chas · Post by **chas** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:17 pm

The other plug is the Mini-E. I'm not running that close to the limit for that little intermittent current to be a problem. The outlet on the left is on its own circuit.

Post by **JohnB** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:25 pm

When my electrician friend ran the wattage numbers from the V2 he felt the machine alone was over the 80% draw he likes to see on a circuit. I had already run a separate line for the grinders, ect so it wasn't an issue.

Post by **zoey** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 11:18 pm

I thought I just read somewhere that the machine will pull about 18A.

Post by **JohnB** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:48 am

If you remove the Mini drip tray there should be a voltage/wattage tag on the side. My V2 is rated 2200W at 115v which is 19.14A. Doesn't leave much on a 20A circuit for other equipment as its well over the 80% safety margin already.

chas · Post by **chas** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:02 am

I'd worry more if the duty cycle weren't so low. The times when both boilers are on and the pump is running is very low.

So far it's been four years and I've never blown the breaker or burned the house down.

Post by **hlsheppard** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 6:25 am

I have the S1 and Mazzer on the same outlet as well. When I asked Chris about it (one of my pre-purchase questions), he said the same thing as Chas.

There isn't enough time when the Grinder, both boilers and the pump will all be running to worry about it.

I'm on about 2 1/2 years with no blown breakers, or issues whatsoever.

Post by **JohnB** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:50 am

No doubt the 2200w is a worst case/everything on rating. I had 2 grinders & an under cupboard light to plug in so the separate outlet was a must. Also I have a very long run from the fusebox so I felt better running the V2 on its own circuit.

Post by **Richard** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:38 pm

JohnB wrote:Just ordered one of those. Tried back in January but everyone was out of stock.

I know this thread is getting stale, but others might be helped by this. I have purchased several of those from pcconnection.com.

Furthermore -- NOTE THIS, FOLKS -- many surge protectors out there aren't worth plugging in. Take a careful look at the specifications, noting not only the max energy they're designed to absorb, but the delay time from the initiation of the spike until the protection is activated. You'll find this Panamax to be far better rated than some more attractive solutions.

Post by **JohnB** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:42 pm

Richard wrote: I know this thread is getting stale, but others might be helped by this. I have purchased several of those from pcconnection.com.

And at a very good price!
http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Pr ... sku=390802

Post by **Richard** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:47 pm

JohnB wrote:And at a very good price!

That specific product has been around some number of years, and the price is about half what it once was. I purchased several of those at around $80, probably six or eight years ago.