Ubiquiti ETH-SP-G2 Ethernet Surge Protector Gen2

Ubiquiti ETH-SP-G2 Ethernet Surge Protector Gen2: The Ultimate Guide

The Ubiquiti ETH-SP-G2 is a professional-grade, outdoor-rated Ethernet surge protector designed to shield your valuable networking equipment from voltage spikes caused by lightning-induced surges and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). It’s an essential, low-cost insurance policy for any outdoor network installation.

Who is the ETH-SP-G2 For? (Use Cases)

This device is critical for anyone deploying outdoor networking equipment, including:

• Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs): Protecting airMAX radios (e.g., NanoStation, PowerBeam) mounted on towers.

• Security System Installers: Safeguarding UniFi Protect G4 cameras and Access Points from surges.

• Home and Business Users: Protecting any Ethernet cable run that goes from inside a building to an outside device.

• Solar and IoT Installations: Shielding devices with network connectivity that are exposed to the elements.

Key Features & Benefits (Readability Focus)

1. Robust Surge Protection

• What it does: Diverts massive, damaging electrical surges (up to 10kA) safely to the ground, preventing them from traveling down your Ethernet cable and frying your switch, router, or camera.

• Why it matters: A single nearby lightning strike can induce enough current in your cables to destroy thousands of dollars in equipment. The ETH-SP-G2 is your first line of defense.

2. Outdoor Durability

• What it is: Housed in a tough, UV-resistant casing with an IP67 waterproof rating.

• Why it matters: You can mount it directly on a pole, tower, or wall alongside your equipment. It’s built to withstand rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures.

3. PoE+ Compatibility

• What it does: Supports 802.3at PoE+ standards, allowing it to pass both data and power (up to 30W) to your connected device without any performance loss.

• Why it matters: Most modern outdoor devices (cameras, radios, APs) are powered via PoE. The ETH-SP-G2 doesn’t interrupt this, making installation seamless.

4. Simple, Reliable Design

• What it is: A passive device with no configuration needed. It has two RJ45 ports (IN from switch, OUT to device) and a grounding screw.

• Why it matters: Just wire it in, connect the ground, and forget it. It provides “set-and-forget” protection.

Full Technical Specifications

How to Install the ETH-SP-G2 (Step-by-Step)

Crucial Rule: For the surge protector to work, it MUST be properly grounded.

1. Choose a Location: Mount the ETH-SP-G2 close to the outdoor device it is protecting, ideally before the cable enters the building.

2. Connect the Ground Wire: This is the most important step. Attach a heavy-gauge (e.g., 10 AWG) copper ground wire to the protector’s grounding lug. Run this wire to a proper earth ground, such as a grounding rod or a bonded building ground point.

3. Connect the Cables:

   • IN Port: Connect to your switch or router indoors using a weatherproof Ethernet cable.

   • OUT Port: Connect to your outdoor device (camera, radio, etc.).

4. Weatherproof Connections: Use weatherboots or electrical tape around the RJ45 connectors if they are exposed to direct weather.

5. Mount the Unit: Secure the ETH-SP-G2 using the integrated mounting hooks or a DIN rail clip.

ETH-SP-G2 vs. ETH-SP (Gen1) – What’s the Difference?

Verdict: The Gen2 is the definitive choice for all new installations. Its Gigabit and 802.3at PoE+ support make it compatible with all modern equipment. Only consider the Gen1 if you are maintaining an old network using 100Mbps and passive PoE devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need one for every outdoor device?
A: Yes. Each cable run that goes between different structures or is exposed outdoors is a potential path for a surge. Protect every port.

Q: Can I install it indoors?
A: While it will work, it’s designed for outdoor use. If your cable originates indoors and never goes outside, a surge protector at the main panel is usually sufficient.

Q: What happens when it gets hit by a surge?
A: The internal Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) sacrifices itself to divert the surge to ground. The unit may still pass data and power, but its protective ability is degraded and should be replaced.

Q: Is this a “lightning arrestor”?
A: It is a type of surge protector. While it offers excellent protection against induced surges from nearby strikes, no device can guarantee protection from a direct lightning strike.

Conclusion & Final Recommendation

The Ubiquiti ETH-SP-G2 is a non-negotiable, cost-effective component for any professional or serious hobbyist’s outdoor network setup. Its robust build, true Gigabit and PoE+ support, and critical surge protection capabilities make it the best choice in Ubiquiti’s lineup for safeguarding your investment.