An EXPENSIVE one this time! (Patreon)

Expensive UK surge protector teardown

Having looked at crappy grey-import surge protectors with very poor manufacturing quality control, I thought it would be a good idea to take apart a UK compliant one. Update:- The EPCOS component may be made by TDK and is probably a low profile gas filled spark gap. That makes sense for something that could pass current to earth/ground. It also explains the low stress connection method. If bought from a distributor this SPD would have cost £93 ($115) :- https://www.screwfix.com/p/crabtree-starbreaker-dp-type-2-miniature-surge-protection-device-40ka/174vf But fortunately I found a cheaper one on eBay in amongst some random electrical items. The construction is quite interesting, with a much more positive over-temperature trip system, and an unexpected difference in the technologies used for each of the two protected sections. Because of the continuing wall of new and often flippant electrical regulations being introduced by self appointed bodies with vested interests, these devices are currently being sold at a grossly inflated price. That should come down as they become "standard", even if the primary use seems to be to protect against a failing power distribution system with its increasing number of incidents caused by failing neutral/earth connections in the TNCS system. In a TNCS system, neutral and earth are supplied as a single conductor split at the point of entry, and failure of that system - usually at cable joints and splices, results in all the grounded metalwork potentially becoming live with respect to the general mass of earth. It can also cause phase imbalance resulting in the need for overvoltage protection. If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- https://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty. #ElectronicsCreators