sundance-communications.com/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems Mitel Telephones & Systems analog port card on cx controller

We have been experiencing analog port cards failing in the SX-200 ICP cx controllers. We believe that it is weather related. However, we have ultralinx UP3P-235 telephone protectors on them and it does not seem to be protecting them. Has anyone experienced card failures and maybe some suggestions on better protection. Thank You

Is your chassis grounded?

You need primary protection (building entrance terminals) in addition to the Ultralinx (secondary) units. Are the port failures associated with circuits that are on outside plant cable? If so, until you get some good gas-tube primary protection, the secondary units aren't going to be able to catch everything.

Here's the manufacturer's own wording on this subject:

"Applications:Provides second layer of protection for Central Office and analog lines behind UL Listed Primary Protection".

The rating of these units is for 235 volts maximum which should cover typical ringing voltage in the range of 77-105 volts. If you are able to measure true RMS ring voltage from the cards, you might be able to get away with using the 100 volt version of the Ultralinx modules. Regardless, you must have primary protection in order for the secondary devices to do their job.

Rule of thumb: Primary protection provides property and personnel protection from lightning and acts as a "shock absorber". Secondary protection provides protection of the sensitive electronics ONLY if primary protection is installed ahead of them.