The Importance of Clean AC Power for Sensitive Electronics

Home theaters, office equipment and high-fidelity audio systems deserve extra attention to help protect them from unwanted electrical surges and spikes, and to provide them with the cleanest and purest possible electrical power.

The Clean Power Challenge

Both premium residences and all manner of commercial facilities are subjected to the same daily onslaught of power disturbances. These disturbances can come from a wide variety of external sources, including lightning strikes, utility grid switching, and nearby activities such as welding. Internal sources of disturbances can also be just as damaging. Sensitive electronic systems are subject to the cumulative effects of these disturbances that normally pass by unnoticed by building occupants. 

Another supplied power concern arises from the presence of higher frequency noise carried by power wiring and transmitted into the power input area of sensitive electronics. These higher frequencies are referred to as EMI, or Electro-Magnetic Interference, or alternatively as RFI, or Radio Frequency Interference. EMI/RFI can also come from many sources, including switched mode power supplies common in lower-cost electronic devices, and can be transmitted through the power lines to reach other, more sensitive devices.

AV systems, office equipment, and other sensitive electronic gear can represent a substantial investment. Moreover, they are often key elements in the design or operation of the space. AV systems in restaurants, for example, set the tone for the space and have a major impact on the success of the establishment on a daily basis. Similarly, copiers, printers, POS systems, and other office equipment are all critical for successful operations in all manner of retail and business environments. It makes sense to protect this equipment and support it with an infrastructure that is suitable for longevity and peak performance.

A Line Conditioner for Clean Power

DITEK recommends that both power filtering and electrical surge protection be installed for every critical electronic system and device to provide the maximum protection from these sources of electrical power disturbances.

For example, DITEK’s DTK-LC2 combines 120V AC power filtering with surge protection in a single, convenient assembly to provide both functions in a compact package. Its design provides maximum critical load protection by minimizing AC supply voltage spikes and isolating incoming surges that originate from lightning or other sources. The DTK-LC2 features an LED health status indicator that extinguishes and sounds a loud audible alarm when protection has been compromised. This device can be wall mounted or placed on a tabletop.

The filtering and protection performance of such a combined design can be impressive. For example, the EMI/RFI filtering attenuation of the DTK-LC2 is 34dB at 20 kHz frequencies, rising to 73dB at 1 MHz.

Conclusion

Modern protective devices that combine AC power filtering with surge protection in a single convenient unit, make it is easier than ever to protect every sensitive electronic system from potential damage and downtime from electrical surges and spikes.