Surge protectors

[Ruger62]

Hello, How much the 30 foot rule should I pay attention to regarding the distance from the outlet of the bar to the electrical panel? I have small house and the electrical outlets in our den is just on the othere sided of the wall from the panel location in the back porch. Old house (1958 ) with few  outlets in strange places on none at all. I have no choice for this location. Is the 30 foot rule there for the "protection" of cheaply made surge bars?

 Do I add in a very long extension cord to add in the 30 feet?

Thank you for your time,

Regards,

Rick

[Teken]

I’m not familiar with this so called 30 foot rule you speak of - Link?!?

I am also not clear what you’re asking about vs what you’re trying to do.

Regardless, I’m going to make a few assumptions and offer you some advice and insight as it relates to any SPD.

Ground: Everything related to the home’s electrical system is tied (bonded) to the most important area and that is the single point low resistance Earth Ground. 

Depending upon where you live and the codes in force the ground resistance must be below <25 Ohms.

SPD: A surge protection device (SPD) comes in four types. They are each designed and made to offer surge / spike protection based on their final installation.

Type 1: These devices are installed at the service entrance (meter).

Type 2: These devices are installed at the service panel (breaker).

Type 3: These are installed at the Point of Use such as at the outlet.

Type 4: These are installed inline prior to a device / circuit. 

If you buy any Type 3 SPD that has a cord set. It will have a specific cord length to meet its requirements to carry the maximum load (current) with the minimum loss of voltage to meet its power handling.

Meaning they are NOT intended to be extended with an extension cord! ☝️ If you do use an extension cord that cord set must be the correct (AWG) gauge to meet the same ampacity, voltage drop, power handling for the given distance.

Meaning if the SPD has a 12-3 cable you should not use a 14-3, 16-3, 18-3 cord set! Lastly, every thing has a derating specification which calls out 80% is the maximum continuous allowed.

Let me know if you need more information or clarification. 👍