Dataline and DC Signal Surge Suppressors

Dataline and DC signal surge suppressors protect equipment from transient overvoltages present on data or DC signal lines. They use shunt-type or series-type technologies, or a combination of both. Shunt-type dataline and DC signal surge suppressors are designed to absorb the surge. By contract, series-type devices block the surge’s flow. Normally, shunt-type suppressors have a clamping voltage that approximates the circuit’s maximum safe operating voltage. To prevent equipment damage from both internal and external surges, point-of-use surge suppressors may be used. 

Product specifications to consider when searching for dataline and DC signal surge suppressors include the number of protected lines, maximum surge current, clamping voltage, rated DC energy absorption, maximum DC power distribution, and UL listings. The number of protected lines includes the number of “pairs” or lines protected from surges. Maximum surge current is the maximum current allowed for a single impulse waveform with continuous voltage applied. Clamping voltage is the DC clamping level. The rated DC energy absorption measures the ability of dataline and DC signal surge suppressors to absorb heat energy created by transient surges. Ratings from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) include UL 497A rating, UL 1459 rating, and UL 452 rating. 

Dataline and DC signal surge suppressors differ in terms of mounting styles, features, and technologies. Mounting styles include wall, panel or backboard mount; DIN rail; rack mount; hard-wired or device mounted; in-line or integrally attached; plug-in module; and printed circuit board (PCB) mounted. Features for dataline and DC signal surge suppressors include self-diagnostics complete pin protection, an on/off switch, status or diagnostic LEDs, resettable circuit breakers, thermal fusing, audible alarms, grounding wires, surge counters, and remote alarm contacts. Technology choices for dataline and DC surge suppressors include metal oxide varistor (MOV), silicon avalanche diode, silicone thyristor diode, gas tube, and hybrid.

Dataline and DC signal surge suppressors are used in various applications. Examples include data acquisition, network applications, telecom applications, and audio and video (AV) applications. Dataline and DC signal surge suppressors for data acquisition applications are used with resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermocouples (TCs), 4-20ma process control loop systems. Telecom surge suppressors are used to protect telecommunication lines and devices such as faxes, modems, telephones, etc.  Audio and video surge suppressors are used to protect AV equipment such as cable TVs, rooftop antennas or down-line TVs.

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