Parts Express Coaxial Surge Protector F‑male to F‑female

The Parts Express Cable TV In-Line Coaxial Surge Protector is a compact F-male to F-female protector that guards coax-fed devices from lightning and high-voltage surges without disrupting signal transmission.

Many homeowners and installers protect TVs, DVRs, and routers with power strip surge protectors but overlook the coaxial cable that can conduct destructive lightning energy directly into set‑top boxes, distribution amplifiers, splitters, and other media gear. This inline unit installs between coax runs and the device, using a patented gas-tube style suppression element to divert dangerous transients while remaining transparent to analog and digital signals up to video frequencies.

How quickly does the protector respond to a spike?

This protector reacts extremely fast, designed to clamp incoming surges in about 100 nanoseconds, minimizing the pulse energy that reaches connected equipment. It’s engineered to handle high-current events repeatedly within its rated life.

• Typical attack time: 0.0000001 second (100 ns)
• Maximum test discharge current: 10,000 A (8/20 µs waveform)
• Surge life: rated for multiple test pulses and repeated smaller events
• Insertion loss: under 0.2 dB for minimal signal impact

Will this affect my cable TV, satellite, or broadband signal quality?

No — it is built to be transparent to both analog and digital bi-directional signals and maintains excellent return-loss performance for video frequencies. The device keeps signal degradation negligible so picture and data pass through cleanly.

• Video bandwidth: specified to 1500 MHz
• Return loss (75 ohms): about 16 dB (VSWR ~1.38) through 500 MHz
• Insertion loss: less than 0.2 dB
• Supports HFC and FTTC broadband network applications

What are the physical and electrical limits I should know?

The protector is small and installs inline on standard F-type coax connectors, yet it’s rated to tolerate significant surge energy and typical DC/AC pass-through used in many installations. Observe its maximum pass-through voltage and current when used in systems that feed DC power over coax.

• Dimensions: approximately 1.39" long × 0.82" diameter
• Power passing capability: up to 50 V peak-to-peak (36 V RMS), and 10 A
• Maximum surge voltage spec: scaled relative to coax loop resistance
• Surge life: tested for hundreds of specified surge pulses

How is this different from other surge protectors for coax lines?

This unit uses a patented in-line gas tube suppression design optimized for customer premises and DSS-style wireless applications. It is intended for direct installation on coax runs where fast response and low insertion loss are priorities, offering a balance of robust clamp capability and minimal impact on signal.

• Patented gas-tube lightning surge suppression technology
• Designed specifically for HFC/FTTC and DSS environments
• Transparent to bi-directional analog and digital signals
• Compact form factor for easy inline placement

Who is this for? Installers, homeowners, and system integrators who need an affordable, compact safeguard for cable boxes, satellite receivers, distribution amplifiers, splitters, and other coax-connected electronics will find this Parts Express inline protector useful. It’s especially suited to premises where coaxial runs cross exposed paths or where equipment value and uptime justify added lightning and surge protection without sacrificing signal fidelity.