AMETEK SurgeX Empowers Reliable Connections with Advanced Power Management
In this blog, Justin Peyton, Sales Director EMEA & APAC, charts the offering and recent development of the SurgeX platform for residential and commercial projects.
When it comes to maintaining the performance and longevity of AV technologies, reliable power management is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any system. With over 40 years of industry experience, SurgeX has established itself as a trusted partner for integrators and end-users, offering innovative power quality and management tools for residential and commercial projects.
A history of practical solutions
We have built our reputation on providing robust surge protection solutions, safeguarding critical systems against the unpredictable nature of power disturbances. Over time, this focus has expanded to include intelligent, user-friendly tools that address the needs of a connected world. We’ve shifted from just protecting to also connecting, giving integrators smarter ways to manage and optimise their systems remotely. Our focus is also ensuring seamless, smart remote management of devices.
Get yourself connected
Central to SurgeX’s appeal is the SurgeX CONNECT platform, a free, Cloud-based interface now standard on our networked devices. At its core, SurgeX CONNECT offers a centralised dashboard for remote monitoring and management of a fleet of compatible devices.
From this user-friendly interface, users can perform essential tasks such as rebooting individual devices, monitoring system health and identifying potential issues before they escalate. Everything is nice and simple and at your fingertips. Integrators can manage up to 10,000 devices from a single dashboard, avoiding costly site visits for minor issues like restarting a device.
It’s fully scalable, and integrators can easily find what they need on the dashboard. This approach saves time and money while enhancing the end-user experience. Additionally, individual outlets can be named, tagged and grouped for easy identification and management.
The complexity conundrum
Today’s residential projects are no longer confined to simple setups. As homeowners embrace smart technology, AV systems and advanced automation, the demand for seamless integration and reliable power management has increased. Home cinema, security systems, networking, multiple large displays and multi-zone audio setups throughout the home are just a few examples of high-powered considerations.
The reality is that residential projects have become just as complex as many commercial installations. With that complexity comes the need for robust solutions to keep everything running smoothly.
The networked benefit
Key features of the SurgeX CONNECT platform include sequencing, which allows devices to power on or off in a specific order to protect interdependent components, such as AV racks, reducing the risk of damage or misconfiguration. This tackles notorious in-rush current issues—a critical challenge in home cinema setups, with power-hungry amplifiers and media devices often creating issues. Real-time remote monitoring and alert capabilities also keep integrators informed about system health by sending immediate alerts, enabling proactive responses before users are affected.
SurgeX CONNECT also provides detailed analytics to track system performance over time. This data helps integrators optimise energy use, schedule maintenance effectively and ensure peak functionality. Automation features like scheduling and AutoPing further simplify management by handling routine tasks such as power cycling and responding to unresponsive equipment automatically. It’s about removing manual effort where possible. The system takes care of itself so that the integrator can focus on bigger-picture priorities.
The platform also excels in flexibility, able to be managed via browser, through the Cloud using mobile or desktop, and by integration with major control systems such as Crestron, AMX or Savant. This multi-access approach ensures that integrators can resolve issues quickly, even when off-site.
The SurgeX Protect + Connect Smart Energy Ecosystem
Distributed by Invision in the UK, SurgeX’s Protect + Connect line of products has continued to expand. All models benefit from the features and functionality of SurgeX CONNECT, with the physical hardware designed to suit a variety of applications.
- Defender Series+ Equipped with advanced multi-stage surge protection, the rack-mounted Defender Series+ is a 9-outlet device ensuring uninterrupted operation, even in the face of unpredictable electrical disturbances. With individually switchable outlets and advanced scheduling capabilities, it’s designed to keep systems running efficiently and sustainably.
- Vertical Series+ Designed to be mounted in the back of a rack to save valuable rack space, the Vertical Series+ provides intelligent power management in a sleek format. Available in 8, 16 or 24 outlet configurations, it adds IP controllable power to cover a range of rack sizes.
- DisplayPak+ Launching in 2025, the DisplayPak+ offers a practical solution for environments with limited space, available in 2 or 4 outlet sizes. Easily mountable behind displays, it includes networking and Wi-Fi capabilities for added flexibility.
For areas where power stability is a concern, SurgeX also offers a range of UPS devices. These units provide consistent, filtered power during outages, ensuring that systems like home cinemas, networks and security remain operational. Our UPS solutions are like an insurance policy for your installation. They provide assurance that your system will work correctly every time, even during power disruptions.
Future-ready solutions
As residential systems grow increasingly sophisticated - reliable and future-ready power solutions are more critical than ever. SurgeX continues to meet this challenge head-on, offering integrators tools to handle even the most sophisticated setups, protecting high-value equipment, reducing downtime and streamlining management. Ultimately, we offer solutions that empower integrators and end users in how they use and manage power. We’re at the forefront of sustainability, smart energy management standardisation and scalability.
To learn more about SurgeX, please contact nigel.thompson@midwich.com