What common practice involving connecting multiple MOV-based power strips in series is strongly discouraged by safety codes?
Daisy chaining
Connecting multiple MOV-based power strips sequentially, one plugged into another, is known as 'daisy chaining,' a practice explicitly discouraged by safety codes. While one might theoretically assume this distributes the surge energy, manufacturing variances in MOVs mean that the surge usually concentrates its energy into the weakest link—the protector with the lowest clamping threshold or already degraded MOVs. This often results in that single protector absorbing the full energy of the event, potentially exceeding its specified joule rating, causing premature failure, and creating a fire hazard. Safety guidelines strongly recommend investing in a single, high-quality protector rated appropriately for the connected equipment instead of chaining lesser ones.
