Abstract: A protection apparatus includes a relay being switchable between a protected state and an operating state, and a controller for permitting a user to switch the relay to the operating state, and for switching the relay to the protected state responsive to a disturbance. Accordingly, the apparatus protects the electrical equipment from disturbances carried by the external electrical conductors. The apparatus preferably includes a housing which also serves to mount a plurality of electrical connectors for interfacing between the electrical equipment and the external electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the apparatus also preferably includes a lightning sensor for switching the relay to the protected state responsive to sensing of lightning. Alternately, or in addition, the apparatus may also include a power loss sensor for sensing a loss of power from the power source to the electrical equipment and for switching the relay immediately to the protected state responsive to sensing a loss of power.

Abstract: A protection apparatus includes a relay being switchable between a protected state and an operating state, a power consumption sensor, and a controller for permitting a user to switch the relay to the operating state, and for switching the relay to the protected state responsive to sensed power consumption of the electrical equipment indicating nonuse thereof. Accordingly, the apparatus protects the electrical equipment from disturbances carried by the external electrical conductors when the electrical equipment is not in use. The apparatus preferably includes a housing which also serves to mount a plurality of electrical connectors for interfacing between the electrical equipment and the external electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the apparatus also preferably includes a lightning sensor for switching the relay to the protected state responsive to sensing of lightning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for continuously and automatically protecting an electrical device (22) from a potential threat of damaging voltage levels. The apparatus includes a detector (24) for the threat and a protection switching circuit (30) for grounding the electrical device and the detector upon detection. Grounding occurs for a predetermined time interval, after which the detector is again automatically re-activated. Embodiments of detectors include detectors which detect the degree of electrical changes in a surrounding field and detectors comprising a tuned radio receiver. One embodiment includes a device utilization monitor (222) and a detector disable circuit (224) for disabling the detector, and thereby precluding grounding, while a device such as a radio frequency transmitter is being utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for continuously and automatically protecting an electrical device (22) from a potential threat of damaging voltagelevels. The apparatus includes a detector (24) for the threat and a protection switching circuit (30) for grounding the electrical device and the detector upon detection. Grounding occurs for a predetermined time interval, after which the detector is again automatically re-activated. Embodiments of detectors include detectors which detect the degree of electrical changes in a surrounding field and detectors comprising a tuned radio receiver. One embodiment includes a device utilization monitor (222) and a detector disable circuit (224) for disabling the detector, and thereby precluding grounding, while a device such as a radio frequency transmitter is being utilized.