Electrical wiring question

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Does anyone have any experience with or knowledge of whole house GFCI's or whole house surge/spike protectors? I've heard these things exist, but know nothing more about them. How expensive are they for a 200 amp service panel? How difficult are they to install? Are they worth having?

 

[Inspector507]

Gary,
I am not familiar with whole house Ground Fault protection. In my opinion, it will come about soon, but will not be as sensitive as those required for outdoor, kitchen and bath outlets. Those will trip at 6ma. Ground fault protection for equipment is set to trip at 30ma. A whole house GF protector set at 6ma. will kick off whenever things get damp or wet, and may cause nusance tripping. You could find yourself getting up in the morning with the freezers not working, etc. Not a good thing.
As far as surge protection, they are great add-ons to an electrical system. They dissipate transient voltage to ground before harming sensitive electronic equipment. I will attach a pic of 3 types made for residential systems manufactured by SquareD Co.

 

[AndyR]

If you are planning on using any X-10 style control units, you will need to investigate surge control units to see what is compatable. I have been using Intermatic panel mount surge suppressors with good results. BTW - Don't forget to put surge units on your phone and cable/tv lines. Just like leaving a back door open if you don't protect every line entering the premises.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I have used GFCI breakers on individual circuits. I use electric demand water heaters and like to have the added protection. I haven't had any problems with them. Oh, these are 240V, but the breakers are also available in 110v.

The breakers have a test button, just like the outlet types. I only have one appliance on the breaker. These heaters require a bunch of amps, and have the water in pretty close proximity to that juice, I can't imagine what it would do to you if the two got too friendly with each other...

I also use the whole house surge protectors. They wire into a spare breaker.

Also with any of this, in addition to the other comments, make SURE you have good grounds. Remember that the code is the minmum standard, it is beat to make certain they're good.

 

[Slamfire]

Ask your service provider, they'd be happy to sell you any equipment you might want.

 

[JATO_RaT]

Yes Gary, I just installed one last year on a home. Its made by Intermatic, it cost about $800 and protects everything 120 or 240V on the panel. It installs via a 30 amp circuit breaker next to the main panel. Go to Intermatic and check for whole house GFCI protection. Rat...

 

[Inspector507]

Rat,
Did I look in the wrong place or what....? The only thing similar I could find at Intermatics site was TVSS not GFCI.

 

[JATO_RaT]

Hey Jerry, sorry, I had 2 things going on in my brain at the same time. He asked about a whole house surge protector as well as a whole house GFCI. No, never seen a whole house GFCI (other then 240V 30 amp GFCI's which could power a sub panel (Square D has them)) and I don't think we would want to. Refrigerators etc. would be without power if a hair dryer fell into a sink with water. Prefer to have the GFCI indidvidualized. There is a whole house surge protector though from Intermatic. If you would like I will get the model number we put in. sorry about the confusion. Rat...

When you build your house, put in 20 amp circuits in the garage not 15 amp. Many things from 120V welders, table saws, electric pressure washers need more then 15 amps

 

[Inspector507]

Rat,
Thats ok, no need for the TVSS model number. I'm reall familiar with them. Thanks anyway

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

While we're talking electrical here I have another question. How about a a line conditioner or power conditioner? Anyone familiar with those?