Customer Reviews

Panamax SEP-200 Indoor and Outdoor Service Entrance Protector

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This unit is designed for installation, ideally, at your service entrance (by the electrical meter)...or if that is unavailable, by your main circuit breaker panel (again, the closer to the main service entrance the better!).

Before going on, I must emphasize this simple fact: No *single* technology can eliminate the
harmful effects of lightning or induced-surge transients...period. Thus, an effective plan of attack is to LAYER various technologies so that effective electrical protection is accomplished.

To help clarify the comments that were made without fully understanding what exactly this unit is designed to do, I'll simply summarize by saying that when a surge occurs, the goal of this SEP-200 unit is to absorb the "brunt" of the surge *at the incoming AC power feeder*. Again, this is NOT an end-all for surge protection....you still must layer the protection in your home. In particular, you need to have surge/noise protection *AT THE POINT OF SERVICE* (i.e., the closer to the actual electronic device the better).

This SEP-200 uses conventional metal oxide varistors (MOV's) to clamp or limit transient
events. However, as with all MOV's, be sure to remember that these devices are susceptible to sustained 50/60Hz mains over-voltage conditions which often occur during faults to the utility system. Basically, the MOV will overheat and ultimately fail.

Regardless, that's an aside. My point is that, once again, there truly is no single technology to solve all lightning/transient problems so just be sure to appropriately "layer" your defenses.

In short, this unit is EXCELLENT at providing a "first layer of defense".

Before closing, let me assure you that the commenter who was so worried that this SEP-200 is only designed for "major appliances" and "motors" but not delicate electronics (e.g., computers, home theaters, etc.) was actually well off-base because only a small fraction of the picture was being discussed. Again, even though this one device is not as "sensitive" as power strips/conditioners designed for point-of-use (i.e., very near the device as opposed to near the power meter outside your home/by your electric panel) . . . just remember that on the flip-side, even though such a powerstrip could handle a single large-event adequately, it could not handle multiple such large-events before failing. With this SEP-200 installed, it reduces the "large-event" at the service entrance to only a "small-event" by the time the surge hits the sensitive electronic device; thus, the sensitive surge suppressor located at the point-of-use would be able to handle MULTIPLE such events for years to come. Again, surge protection is a multiple-layer activity...not just a one-shot solution.

We recently had a utility power outage that produced a substantial surge. Our Panamax SEP 200 is completely destroyed. The case is distorted and a gasket now extends from the case. Along with this outage, we experienced failures in a number of appliances and other plug in surge protectors. The Panamax neither protected itself nor a multitude of downstream devices. We will replace the Panamax with different device. Interestingly, none of the reviews shown here actually discuss any experience with protection provided by the Panamax. Now,there is one, and it failed.

The device arrived promptly as promised, appeared to be of excellent quality, and was straightforward to install--assuming you have some electrical experience. So far, it appears to work well, but of course time will tell. I am using the device as a "Layered" approach, with this on the main panes, another on an outside subpanel, and smaller surge protectors on outlets. Despite several close strikes, all is well, but I have no way of knowing the magnitude ao any surge that hits the house. However, without the device, we have fried two TV's, an on-demand water heater, and had arc marcs around the service entrance with what appeared to be similar strikes.

Got hit by lighting and had several items damaged. After getting everything back I decided to get something for the house to prevent future damage. I chose this but I don't know if it is working. I hope it does. I feel better that I have it so its done something!!!!

I had been thinking of installing a house unit for some time. I read the reviews, and ordered the Panamax. I had my electrician install it ,as we finished up an addition on the house. It was easy to install and I am glad I have the protection, as we are on a rural co op electical service and live in a lake region that gets lots of lightning. I think Canada requires surge protectors but have not seen a lot of use in our area. For the added protection in a newer house with new appliances, it just makes sence. I just hope it never has to do its job.

I have been useing Panamax products for the past three years and I am completley satisfied with them.
I use the model M-5300-PM, M5400-PM and M8-HT-PRO for our tv's, computers, Dish reciver boxes, A/V units.
Panamax, states the SEP-200 is for major house appliances such as refrigerator, oven, range, washer, dryer, etc.
They do recommed other surge protectors for your electronic entertaiment equipment.
Panamax, has a 5 year warrenty and also a $10,000 protection policy if any major appliance is damaged by an AC power or lighting surge.
I feel the $171.25 was money well spent for this type of protection.

Highly recommended for locations that suffer from constant surges, spikes, brownouts and lightning. I recommend it to all my clients. We have seen appliance breakdown reduced significantly. It's a worthwhile investment. Does not replace individual appliance surge suppressors.

The Panamax SEP-200 was very easy to install at the main disconnect outdoors. Very inexpensive for the amount of protection it provides. A best buy for this kind of product, which has excellent specs that meet or exceed applicable standards. It is good to know that all appliances in the house are protected as well as the home theater and computer, which have their own protection in addition.

The product fit the spot I had planned. It was wired direct, with the activation light plainly visible.Protection will not be known until it is tripped.