Reverse Polarity faults typically occur while jump starting vehicles or installing new batteries. While these are the result of 'accidents', their damaging effect can be devastating.

Because of poor design techniques, much of the electronic gear brought into the marketplace over the past several years can be severely damaged by reverse polarity. STO-P protects your equipment. 

POOR EQUIPMENT DESIGN?

There is one area where manufacturers are at fault. Of late, we've noticed a trend in equipment design that makes 12 Volt and 24 Volt electronic equipment prone to expensive damage.

Ironically most equipment has some form of reverse polarity protection built in.  Usually in the form of a diode and fuse.  The 'theory' is that if a reverse polarity fault occurs, the diode will conduct, short the power supply to ground and cause the fuse to blow - thus protecting your equipment.  It works.

Well, 'it works' if the manufacturer has designed their equipment properly.  But, an alarming amount of 12 Volt and 24 Volt electronic gear has a basic design fault.  The copper traces on the printed circuit board are made very small.  The 'protection' system pulls so much current through the diode (trying to pop the fuse) that it VAPORIZES the printed circuit board power trace before the fuse can blow. (see photo) So, instead of replacing the fuse, you have to replace the entire printed circuit board!  Or, find a competent tech who can repair the damage.  In either case, the accident requires expensive repairs when it should only result in a blown fuse costing 15 cents.

So, beware!  We've seen this problem in some very expensive equipment from a wide range of manufacturers.