Unplugging power cords from amps/ pre amps


This might be a stupid question but when there is a thunderstorm lightning storm I used to unplug my power cords from the outlet but now I can’t do that because of a lot of things in the way to reach my plugs from the outlets. I want to know if it is ok to unplug my amps / pre / cdp from the female end that goes to my equipment and then replugging them back after.  Of course the units are off when unplugging / plugging them back. Ty. 

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xtattooedtrackman

Not sure lightning will be stopped by a 6mm gap in a breaker.

A direct lightning strike would not be stopped by unplugging your equipment either. I have seen the aftermath of a direct lightning strike.

Ty everyone. From reading all your replies I think it will be ok to disconnect from the comments ends. I also do have 4 dedicated outlets for my components and to be more on the safe side I will also turn off the 4 dedicated breakers also before disconnecting from the components. I did not even think of that to be honest. 

@noromance

You wrote:

Not sure lightning will be stopped by a 6mm gap in a breaker.

Lets discuss. The breakdown voltage of air is about 30 kV / centimeter. A 6mm gap would take 18 kV.

Here’s where it gets interesting. The normal breakdown voltage for insulated 14 gauge wire is between 600V and 1,000V. Plenty for a home, and totally inadequate for lightning.  Any surge higher than that will burn through the insulation and short to ground. 

The normal surge testing is at 5kV, which is believed to be the maximum voltage a home could receive from the electric grid. The reasoning is that the natural inductance, and low insulation strength (relatively) of the wiring that goes to your home would mean anything more than that would naturally find some other path to ground.

So, for anything that comes in from the mains, 5 kV is the absolute worst case scenario. What about a direct strike? If you have 18kV at your breaker or even power switch you have a hole in your living room. :)

Here's where I'm at.  In the half dozen or so cases where I've lost equipment or been present when equipment was damaged it was not from  a direct strike like that. 

So, yes, pulling your gear is the best way, but 99.9% of your damaging surges won't be that kind of strike.

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The normal surge testing is at 5kV, which is believed to be the maximum voltage a home could receive from the electric grid.

That is according to Wirecutter which is not correct. Wirecutter may use 5kV...

The actual recognized testing voltage is 6kV , for 8/20 µs. That’s fast. Fast enough to cause a 120V incandescent light bulb to explode and totally vaporize. Nothing left but the metal screw in base.

Video, Eaton- Surge Protection

Video, Leviton Whole House Surge Protection.

 

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VPR – Voltage Protection Rating. A rating per the latest revision of ANSI/UL 1449, signifying the “rounded up” average measured limiting voltage of an SPD when the SPD is subjected to the surge produced by a 6kV/3kV 8/20 µs combination waveform generator. VPR is a clamping voltage measurement that is rounded up to one of a standardized table of values. The standard VPR ratings include 330, 400, 500, 600, 700, etc. As a standardized rating system, VPR allows the direct comparison between like SPDs (i.e. same Type and Voltage).

https://www.nemasurge.org/faqs/

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https://www.se.com/us/en/faqs/FA370836/


UL1449, 3rd Edition now requires that all SPD Types be tested to verify that the average transient voltage surge is limited to the voltage protection rating (VPR) assigned to the SPD. The VPR of an SPD is often referred to as it’s "let-through voltage" and is determined during a combination ring wave test conducted at a setting of 6kV/3kV . This VPR rating is required to be clearly visible on any compliant UL1449, 3rd Edition device.

Type 1 and Type 2 rated surge protection devices are additionally tested to UL96A "Lightning Protection Systems" specifications, as they are at or before the electrical service entrance. Type 3 surge protection devices are subjected to an operating duty cycle test with a combination ring wave at a setting of 6kV/3kV . This test represents the typical surge encountered at a distance of 10 meters (30ft) from the main electrical service panel. A Type 3 surge protection device is not intended for direct lightning protection, therefore it is tested beyond the potentially effected area.

I don't unplug anything when there's a thunderstorm.  Does anyone unplug all the electronics in their house -- the well pump, HVAC, fridge, microwave, washer/dryer, etc...?  A direct hit, well If you're really unlucky, then you're really unlucky and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it.  Just get a whole house surge protector and go on about your normal life.