P6GC Surge Suppressor Voltage

[Anonymous user]

I've got a new P6GC surge suppressor, the one with the timer, and the outlets connected to the timer still show a voltage when the timer has switched them "off". I noticed this when using my outlet tester; the lights dim, but they still glow. I have a little Radio Shack digital multimeter, and it shows 120v, but my Sperry voltage tester doesn't detect anything. I plugged in a table lamp, and while it didn't light up, the RS multimeter detected 120v across the light socket. I was of course expecting the outlets to be completely off, as when the main switch is off or the strip is unplugged. What's the deal?

[Anonymous user]

Thanks. Why did the outlet tester (one of those plug things with three lights, also with GFCI testing capabilities) light up, albeit more dimly than when plugged into an active outlet? When I say "dim", it's still easily visible in a normally lighted room. Some current has to be flowing, right? And are there any implications for equipment left plugged in and presumably drawing this small amount of current?

[Anonymous user]

Thanks. I guess I'm used to devices that either provide power or don't, and this one that allows a tiny amount to pass makes me a little wary. What if my expensive electronics were designed either to be provided power or not be provided power, and receiving a few milliamps for many hours at a time isn't accounted for in their design? I may well be worrying needlessly, but is there anything to compare this to? That is, does a similar situation exist anywhere I might be familiar with absent the P6GC?

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I've got a new P6GC surge suppressor, the one with the timer, and the outlets connected to the timer still show a voltage when the timer has switched them "off". I noticed this when using my outlet tester; the lights dim, but they still glow. I have a little Radio Shack digital multimeter, and it shows 120v, but my Sperry voltage tester doesn't detect anything. I plugged in a table lamp, and while it didn't light up, the RS multimeter detected 120v across the light socket. I was of course expecting the outlets to be completely off, as when the main switch is off or the strip is unplugged. What's the deal?