Surge Guard - Any Way To Test?
Is there any way to test a Surge Guard (30A, portable) to see if it's still functioning? I had an "issue" at my sister's a month ago, and the Surge Guard made a horrible noise after it's initial p...
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I would say that outlet is toast but the electronics above it may still be good.
Surge Guard units have at least 3 functions, All but one can be tested, two of them easily.
Those functions are:
1: Spike suppression, In time the MOV's do wear out, however there is no really good way to test them other than visual inspection that I know of.. Im sure there is a way, but it's going to take a lab.
Two: Frequency (Too high or low) not easily tested as you need a variable frequency 120 vac shorce
Three: Voltage High/Low, This one can be tested easily.. All you need is a dogbone adapter (30-15 amp) and a Varactor transformer, Do not even need a big one... Here is how
Set Varactor to 120 volt: Plug in (NOTE: test the 4th function at this time, time delay to power on.. Time the thing with a stop watch) When it connects (you can plug in a nightlight if you like using the proper 15 to 30 adapter) note how long it took.
Now, turn down the voltage on the Varactor (You migh wish to plug in a known good voltmeter as well) and see how far down you go SLOWLY before it cuts out.
Turn it back up, wait for it it to cut back in.. And now INCREASE the voltage slowly till it cuts out
Compare to specs to see if it's working properly.
Surge Guard units have at least 3 functions, All but one can be tested, two of them easily.
Those functions are:
1: Spike suppression, In time the MOV's do wear out, however there is no really good way to test them other than visual inspection that I know of.. Im sure there is a way, but it's going to take a lab.
Two: Frequency (Too high or low) not easily tested as you need a variable frequency 120 vac shorce
Three: Voltage High/Low, This one can be tested easily.. All you need is a dogbone adapter (30-15 amp) and a Varactor transformer, Do not even need a big one... Here is how
Set Varactor to 120 volt: Plug in (NOTE: test the 4th function at this time, time delay to power on.. Time the thing with a stop watch) When it connects (you can plug in a nightlight if you like using the proper 15 to 30 adapter) note how long it took.
Now, turn down the voltage on the Varactor (You migh wish to plug in a known good voltmeter as well) and see how far down you go SLOWLY before it cuts out.
Turn it back up, wait for it it to cut back in.. And now INCREASE the voltage slowly till it cuts out
Compare to specs to see if it's working properly.
