Thor. Innovation Spotlight
Prodigy Series: Patented Non-Sacrificial Protection
Technology Revolutionising Industry Standards.
Thor Technologies, Managing Director George Forster-Jones examines the technology
How do you create surge protection that thrives under the most extreme conditions? For over 50 years, surge protection hadn’t changed until Prodigy was born from lightning.
The Problem with Traditional Surge Protection
How do we protect our valuable devices from the ever-present, often invisible, threat of power surges? From electronics to high-end audio-visual systems to advanced gaming setups, the demands of modern technology and the increasing volatility of power grids meant that traditional surge protection methods, frankly, were inadequate. So, we asked ourselves, how could we innovate? How could we create a solution that truly safeguards your investments? The answer? The Prodigy Series. This isn’t just another surge protector; it’s a revolutionary innovation born from Thor’s dedication to solving real-world problems.
“It’s a silent threat. You won’t know your surge protector has failed until a surge damages your equipment.”
Traditional surge protectors rely on Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) to divert excess voltage. While MOVs can be effective, they have a limited lifespan. Each time an MOV absorbs a surge, its capacity diminishes. Eventually, it will no longer be able to protect your equipment, leaving you vulnerable to damage. This sacrificial design means that traditional surge protectors offer limited protection and must be replaced regularly.
The Test Breakthrough
To prove the effectiveness of Prodigy design, Thor Technologies put it to the ultimate test at Waikato University in New Zealand. Home to the largest lightning simulator in the Southern Hemisphere, Waikato University provided the perfect environment to push the Prodigy design technology to the extreme. During testing, Prodigy withstood 130 simulated lightning strikes of 6,600 volts each within an hour. To put that into perspective, a premium surge board might only withstand one or two instances of 6,600-volt exposure before destruction. Prodigy emerged from the testing unscathed, demonstrating its superior surge protection capabilities.
The Prodigy Series Difference: Non-Sacrificial Technology
Thor Technologies Prodigy Series represents a paradigm shift in surge protection. Unlike traditional surge protectors, Prodigy utilises patented non-sacrificial technology that does not degrade over time. This innovative design provides unlimited surge protection, ensuring that your equipment is always protected.
So, how does it work?
Thor’s patented Prodigy non-sacrificial protection technology (Thor’s patented Prodigy non-sacrificial protection technology) does not use MOVs or Joules like traditional surge protection. Instead, uses Super Capacitor style components which act like a shock absorber—detecting surges, absorbing them, and safely dissipating the energy back into the mains. It then resets, prepared to safeguard against the next surge with unlimited Joule capacity — Infinite Reset.
Unleashing Unlimited Joule Capacity
One of the key benefits of the Prodigy Series is its unlimited Joule capacity. Joule is a unit of energy, and it measures the amount of energy that a surge protector can absorb. Traditional surge protectors have a limited Joule rating, which means that they can only absorb a certain amount of energy before they fail. The Prodigy Series, on the other hand, has unlimited Joule capacity, meaning it can absorb an unlimited amount of energy without degrading. Whether it’s small everyday surges or powerful lightning strikes, the Prodigy Series can handle it all.
More Than Just Surge Protection: Enhanced Performance
In addition to its superior surge protection capabilities, Thor Prodigy Series also enhances the performance of your electronic devices. Featuring advanced noise-cancelling filter technology, Prodigy Series reduces electrical noise, resulting in clearer audio, sharper video, and smoother gaming performance. With the Prodigy Series, you can enjoy your favourite music, movies, and games with enhanced clarity and detail. Say goodbye to unwanted noise and interference and experience your electronics the way they were meant to be.
Comprehensive Protection and Peace of Mind
When you invest in Thor Prodigy Series, you’re not just getting a surge protector. You’re getting comprehensive protection and peace of mind. Thor Technologies stands behind the Prodigy Series with an unlimited connected equipment warranty, ensuring that your valuable electronics are protected against damage. With the Prodigy Series, you can rest easy knowing that your equipment is safe from power surges and electrical noise. Whether you’re a home user, a professional musician, or a serious gamer, the Prodigy Series provides the ultimate protection and performance enhancement for your valuable electronics.
The Test Breakthrough
THOR Prodigy with its noise cancelling filter technology enhances audio, video, and gaming performance, whilst guarding against the unexpected. And with Thor’s unlimited connected equipment warranty… your technology is safe.
Empowering Knowledge: Taking Proactive Steps To Protecting Your Electronics
Now that you understand the importance of surge protection and the benefits of the Thor Prodigy Series, here are some proactive steps you can take to protect your electronics:
Invest in Quality Surge Protectors: Don’t Skimp on Protection
The first step is to invest in quality surge protectors from a reputable brand like Thor Technologies. Don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest surge protectors you can find. Look for surge protectors that offer a high clamping voltage, a high joule rating, and a comprehensive warranty.
The clamping voltage is the voltage level at which the surge protector begins to divert excess voltage away from your devices. A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection. The joule rating is a measure of how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher joule rating indicates greater protection.
Protect All Entry Points: A Comprehensive Approach
Don’t just protect your computers and televisions. Protect all your electronic devices, including your refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances. Power surges can enter your home through various entry points, including electrical outlets, telephone lines, and cable lines.
Consider using a whole-house surge protector in addition to individual surge protectors for your sensitive electronics. Whole-house surge protectors are installed at your electrical panel and provide protection for your entire home. They can help to reduce the severity of surges that enter your home through the electrical grid.
Regularly Inspect and Replace Surge Protectors: A Proactive Approach
Make it a habit to regularly inspect your surge protectors for signs of damage or wear. Check for frayed cords, loose connections, and other visible problems. If you suspect that a surge protector has been exposed to a major surge, replace it immediately.
Generally, you should replace your surge protectors every two years, or sooner if you live in an area with frequent thunderstorms or power outages. Consider surge protectors with indicator lights that show when the protection has expired. This will help you stay on top of replacements.
Unplug Electronics During Storms: An Extra Layer of Protection
During thunderstorms or other severe weather events, unplug your sensitive electronics to provide an extra layer of protection. Lightning strikes can generate massive power surges that can overwhelm even the best surge protectors.
Unplugging your electronics is the most effective way to protect them from lightning-induced surges. It’s a simple precaution that can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
Understand Your Electrical System: Knowledge Is Power
Take the time to understand your home’s electrical system. Learn about the location of your electrical panel, circuit breakers, and grounding system. Make sure that your electrical system is properly grounded to help protect against power surges.
If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, hire a qualified electrician to inspect your electrical system and make any necessary repairs or upgrades. A properly functioning electrical system is essential for protecting your electronics from power surges.
Beyond Surge Protection: Addressing Other Power Quality Issues
While surge protection is crucial, it’s important to remember that it’s just one aspect of power quality. Other power quality issues, such as voltage sags, voltage swells, and harmonic distortion, can also damage your electronics.
Consider investing in a power conditioner to address these other power quality issues. Power conditioners regulate voltage and filter out noise, providing clean, stable power to your electronics. This can help to extend the lifespan of your electronics and improve their performance.
“The cost of a surge protector is minimal compared to the potential cost of replacing your electronics. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.”
Thor Technologies DRM Series: Protecting Against Ripple Control Signals
In addition to surge protection and power conditioning, you might also need to address the issue of ripple control signals. Ripple control signals are low-level voltages injected into the power grid by utility companies to manage off-peak appliances. These signals can cause various problems, including LED flickering, dimmer control issues, and motor noise.
Thor Technologies offers a range of DRM (DIN Rail Mountable) filters designed to mitigate the effects of ripple control signals. These filters are engineered to reduce or eliminate the effects of specific ripple frequencies, such as 1050Hz and 750Hz.
Understanding Ripple Control Signals:
Ripple control signals are used to manage off-peak appliances, commonly for hot water and heating systems. Power utilities typically use a unique frequency for each suburb (e.g., 1050Hz or 750Hz).
Impact of Ripple Control Signals:
Ripple control signals can cause:
- LED flickering
- Dimmer control issues
- Fan motor noise
- Motor noise in general
- Random on/off switching of electrical equipment.
The Role of DRM Filters:
The DRM filters are designed to reduce or eliminate the effects of specific ripple frequencies. When used with phase-cut dimmer modules, Thor Ripple Filters can improve dimming range, cold start values, dimming curves, and overall performance consistency, enhancing the reliability of LED lighting.
Conclusion: Prioritising Protection for Peace of Mind
Prodigy Series provides the ultimate protection; The Thor Technologies Prodigy Series with its patented non-sacrificial technology, unlimited Joule capacity, and enhanced performance capabilities, provides the ultimate protection for your valuable electronics. Don’t settle for outdated surge protection methods that degrade over time. Invest in Thor Prodigy Series and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your equipment is always protected.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in premium surge protectors, protect all entry points, regularly inspect and replace your surge protectors, and take additional precautions during storms. By prioritising protection, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your electronics are safe and secure. Remember, a small investment in surge protection can save you from costly repairs or replacements down the road. It’s a smart investment in the longevity and performance of your electronic devices.
In some cases, a surge protector alone isn’t enough. Specialised filters, like Thor’s DRM750 and DRM1050 Ripple Filters, are designed to mitigate the effects of these signals. By installing these filters, homeowners can eliminate LED flickering, improve dimmer control, and reduce motor noise, ensuring the longevity and performance of their devices.
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