Neil (continued): If you attach a cable to a device with a Pin-1 problem, you have just attached an antenna to the inner workings. There is absolutely NO reason to expect that the device will NOT hum, buzz and pick up RF!

Dave Distler: Here in Brazil, we are under the threat of blackouts. Is there any knowledge as to which is more dangerous to audio equipment: the tail end of interrupted power or the head spike when the supply is reestablished? In the case of the tail end being dangerous, would equipment like Surge-X protect the equipment in the absence of power or would it need to be powered to do its job?

Neil: The tail would suggest that the voltage is collapsing towards zero. At the onset of the return of power there would be serious inrush current. Both can be problematic. SurgeX will protect equipment from excessive voltage transients under either scenario. SurgeX ICE will protect load equipment from inrush current. Both devices will do their thing as long as they are connected. Hope that helps.

jeffz: Do I need surge protection with a UPS (universal power supply)?

Neil: Yes. If you have a UPS connected to a desktop workstation, the good news is that you are protected from brownouts and short blackouts. The bad news is that almost all desktop UPS units have MOV transient diversion circuits, which corrupt the ground reference.

Neil (continued) By installing a SurgeX before the UPS, the lower clamping voltage insures that the MOV's in the UPS will not fire. I have just such a setup in my office - last year we took a nearby lightning hit which took out several light dimmers. My entire computer system was on line and didn't even come out of sleep mode!

Jennifer Goodman: Is there a SurgeX product for all electronic equipment or is it just for A/V functions?

Neil: SurgeX is applicable to any and all equipment operating with building power lines.
The upper limit right now is 20 Amps, which covers almost all conventional branch circuits.

Jennifer Goodman: Can SurgeX products be purchased one unit at a time?

Neil: Yes, there are dealers and reps all over the U.S. and in Vancouver, Canada. If you visit www.surgex.com you can locate the one nearest you.

Bill Whitlock at InfoComm: What are the advantages and disadvantages of balanced power?

Neil: I'll try to be diplomatic. IF you are 10 minutes from show time, AND the sound system is making noise, AND your roadies don't mind humping around heavy loads, AND the 15 dB you might realize is enough, THEN go for it because the alternative of cutting off U-Grounds or installing AC ground lifters poses a serious safety hazard and is also very illegal!