Whole House Surge Protection

[ustmd]

So Sunday while we were at the movies (Beauty and the Beast) e had a line of storms come through. When we cam home the power was out and the fuse on the pole was blown. After the Co-Op reset the fuse, I discovered that the desktop, exercise bike (terminal), wireless music streaming system and the dishwasher were cooked. So I am pretty sure we either had a lightening strike or surge alone the line.

Even though this is the first problem in 16 years, I am now considering a whole house surge protector.

Anyone have any experience or recommendations?

 

[Zerk]

Anyone have any experience or recommendations?

A better movie?

I have been thinking about it for a long time, will probably get one after a big loss. Lost a microwave years ago. It could have been lightning, or just a fault on the line. When I lost my microwave, a tree tore down neigbors service.

Also fuses get replaced, not reset.

 

[JimRB]

I have a Square D QO panel with a Square D surge protector. No idea if it works or not but it is installed. I do have 2 ground rods set about 10 feet apart in dirt that seems to always be damp. Good earth grounds are an important part of the surge protection. That said I do not see how any protector is going to do much for a direct hit but it should clamp down on little surges.

http://static.schneider-electric.us...ution/Surge Protective Devices/6671CT9701.pdf

 

[JPRambo]

The southwest Florida area we have terrible power. Normal is plus or minus 15 % voltage fluxuations and with storms we get many power spikes. I also have a QO panel but I put a surge protector on each of the two largest breakers in the panel. I was told by an expert in the power field that if you want a VERY GOOD surge protector get one that has a guaranty not a warranty. I have not lost anything due to power for many years.

 

[Zerk]

T Normal is plus or minus 15 % voltage fluxuations s.

If that is the case, you should contact the public service commsission.

 

[SJay]

Power Surge: Protect All Your Electronics | The Family Handyman

 

[TDtractor]

Our Electrics Co-op installs them right at the meter base. Than they add it to your electric bill. If it goes bad they replace it. We get allot of lightning strikes way to close! :shocked:

 

[coldsteelva]

I have one that is tied to the breaker for my well pump. All my sensitive electronics have UPS/Surge protection, but nobody wants to blow out a well pump.

 

[kirkawilson]

After frying every appliance control board in my kitchen (fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher), all at different times over a 1 year period, I had an electrician install a surface mounted Leviton surge protector directly under my breaker box. It has small red and green lights on the front to indicate if it has tripped. It's been 18 months and have not had another appliance fry, nor has the Leviton unit tripped. The selling point to me was that if I lost any more appliances due to electrical surge, the electrician stated that Leviton would replace the appliance free. I have not tested the Leviton guarantee but will not hesitate if I lose another applicance.

 

[Zerk]

Our Electrics Co-op installs them right at the meter base. Than they add it to your electric bill. If it goes bad they replace it. We get allot of lightning strikes way to close! :shocked:

Utility here, says when ever something blows up, you should have installed one. If someone caused it, say by knocking high voltage line into lower voltage line, then they say to go after them.

Co-ops are different. I would be curious i there is a difference in quality, sure seems awful nice of them.