sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information ITWlinx vs Porta Systems

For co line surge protectors, we use ITWlinx. We are subcontracting an install, and the surge protector we were given to install is by Porta Systems (504PX26GT with gas tubes).

Is one better than the other?

I've used Porta systems and haven't had any problems. I think the Gas Tubes are rated at 75 volts though, you might want to check, the Delta solid state are rated at 230. So you wouldn't want the GT on incoming co lines.

No, the 504PX26GT is 230v. I don't like the Porta-Systems "pogo stick" system because the protectors are not interchangeable with industry standard 5-pin protectors. I always have used 5 pin protectors from ITW Linx but it seems now that they are getting away from them. They only offer some kind of CAT6 data rated protectors. Looks like I will be looking at Circa or Porta Systems 5 pin.

-Hal

We have used PortaSystems for years with very good luck. PortaSystems does make a 5 pin also. I changed to Ditek several years ago because the green LED that on the protector has saved us so many service calls. If the green light in lite dialtone and battery on the line is ok, if the line's not working it's us. If the LED is out its Verizon, no battery no dialtone.
And the life time warranty comes in handy here in the lightning capitol of the US.

I have become a big fan of the Circa products myself since they are about the closest thing out there comparable to the AT&T/Western Electric terminals. Aside from Circa, 3M is just about the only other manufacturer of primary protector equipment left.

Porta Systems and ITW Linx really aren't primary protection; they are pretty much only going to provide secondary. There's no way they could sustain a real lightning hit.

We use Ditek and Sycom, interchangeably. We do use some gas when involved in a 'campus' situation, usually Circa, or whatever we can find on E-bay! We take out a lot of Oneac and Towermax, only because we prefer to use Ditek and Sycom. Have no personal opinion about any other brand. And yes, we are looking for buyers of Oneac and Towermax. PM me and let's see what we can do! John C.

Ed, the ITW Linx protectors (don't remember the number) we used were primary and secondary listed, that's why we standardized on them. I don't think the CAT6 ones they have now are which is another reason we have to look elsewhere when our stock is gone. I know I looked at Emerson which is the old Reliable Electric.

Where have you been getting Circa from?

-Hal

What about the warrantys that come with the different products?

We use ITWLinx and I know they have a lightning and surge equipment protection warranty, what about the other brands you guys mentioned?

Seems that kind of warranty is only offered on power line and combination protectors. Good question though. Has anyone ever collected or known someone who has collected on it?

-Hal

Ive always wonder about power/ups type protectors that offers warranty in regards to product damage connected to their devices. How can it be proved one way or the other and has anyone actually ever had to collect on this or tried?

~r

Ive seen some that claim up to $50K protection coverage.