Question Do Series Mode Surge Protectors (ZeroSurge, SurgeX, & Brick Wall) Have a Chemical Smell?

[SurgeProtectorMystery356]

Hello! I had a question about the SurgeX surge protector, if you don't mind me asking and have the time to answer. When you unpackaged it, did it have a chemical/plastic smell?

I was talking to someone online once and they said that their ZeroSurge surge protector (which is also Series Mode, you probably know that) had a strong chemical/plastic smell for a few weeks.

I got a UPS a while ago but returned it because of the strange chemical odor it emitted. I had the UPS in the garage for 2 weeks but unfortunately the smell still lasted until then. I was happy to find these surge protectors, which for a similar price as the UPS, could provide me better surge protection than most devices. The power where I live is relatively stable and not many power-outages occur, so I don't think I need the AVR or battery.

However, for $200 I could understand if they do have that new electronic smell to them; these surge protectors have a lot of components in them that could make that smell. However, I just wanted to make sure since different manufacturers are different I suppose. I'm thinking about getting a Brick Wall surge protector, but if the SurgeX had a strong smell to it, I better not take my chances.

I would greatly appreciate any input! Thanks!

 

[Ralston18]

Not unusual for electronics to have some "smell" especially if plastics are being used for the case.

And some additional smells (hot) when first used.

However, if the smell is very strong and long lasting that could well mean some problem or issue.

Where did you buy the SurgeX? Source? Consider that the surge protector you purchased may have been counterfeit or refurbished.

AMETEK product?

Contact their Technical Support and ask about the odors.

https://www.ametekesp.com/contact/contactus

 

[ElectrO_90]

Cheap plastic has a bad smell and its quite nauseous and if they are cheaping out on the plastic - I wouldn't recommend it.
Reminds me of some blinds I had fitted in my house, the smell was so bad - it gave me headaches and wouldn't go - had to send them back from the smell.

 

[SurgeProtectorMystery356]

Where did you buy the SurgeX? Source? Consider that the surge protector you purchased may have been counterfeit or refurbished.

AMETEK product?

Contact their Technical Support and ask about the odors.

https://www.ametekesp.com/contact/contactus

Thank you for the reply! I appreciate it. I didn't buy it myself, but I asked someone online who said the had a ZerSurge surge protector that had a strong smell for a few weeks so that's what worried me.

I asked a Brick Wall sales person if it had a smell, and he said he has never heard of that before. I'll see if I can ask ZeroSurge or Ametek support about it. Thank you!

 

[ElectrO_90]

Thank you for the reply! I appreciate it. I didn't buy it myself, but I asked someone online who said the had a ZerSurge surge protector that had a strong smell for a few weeks so that's what worried me.

I asked a Brick Wall sales person if it had a smell, and he said he has never heard of that before. I'll see if I can ask ZeroSurge or Ametek support about it. Thank you!

Have you actually got the product and does it actually smell. I am now a bit confused as to if you have it or not.

 

[SurgeProtectorMystery356]

Have you actually got the product and does it actually smell. I am now a bit confused as to if you have it or not.

I do not have the product, that's why I asked. Sorry for any unclarity.

edit: I wanted to follow up on your previous comment. Your blinds are similar to the UPS's. I never got sick from it because I tried to expose myself to it as little as possible but I've heard of other people getting headaches and nausea. That's why I'm a little worried and I'm just asking to make sure so I don't have to go through the hassle of returning it. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[ElectrO_90]

I do not have the product, that's why I asked. Sorry for any unclarity.

just buy APC - sorted

 

[SurgeProtectorMystery356]

just buy APC - sorted

I see, thank you! I forgot to mention that I talked to a salesperson at Brickwall and they told me that after working 25+ years for the company, he has never heard of such a thing. I'm still a little skeptic, because unless the person I talked to lied (about the ZeroSurge smell,) then you would think that Brickwall's products would also smell since they're all very similar?

 

[ElectrO_90]

I see, thank you! I forgot to mention that I talked to a salesperson at Brickwall and they told me that after working 25+ years for the company, he has never heard of such a thing. I'm still a little skeptic, because unless the person I talked to lied (about the ZeroSurge smell,) then you would think that Brickwall's products would also smell since they're all very similar?

Not if they changed plastic then had problems with them, they won't recall them at all.
For some reason you think big business is honest

 

[SurgeProtectorMystery356]

Not if they changed plastic then had problems with them, they won't recall them at all.
For some reason you think big business is honest

Well, I would certainly hope so but you're probably right. It's not an absolute that I must get these surge protectors, I'll just get the standard. Thanks again for all your help.