Will a surge protector work when connected "backwards"?

[Anonymous user]

Hi, I'm wondering if a surge protector (for example the APC SurgeArrest Essential 16A) will protect the inlet side from voltage spikes on the outlet side? I have a long cable running out from the house and I'm considering connecting a surge protector to protect the house from lightning-induced spikes in that cable.

Since this is "backwards" to the common use of protecting equipment on the outlet side from spikes on the main grid, I'm wondering if this will work as expected?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Magnus,

I'm not sure, the equipment protection policy would probably be void in this case. The Surge Arrest does have a 16 amp fuse and fuses don't care which way the current is traveling but lightning is a whole different beast.

I'm not electrician and really I think that's what you need, if I was running anything outside my house (personally) I would look to put it on a separate circuit protected by it's own breaker, I know your worried about lightning but the main thing I'd worry about is rain, (although I do live in a wet country).  

-Gavan