surge protection

Tdog · Sep 9, 2002

Does anyone have any experience with a whole house surge protector? I'm aware that they still recommend end-point surge protection, too, I just wonder if a unit at the electrical panel is justified?

I just read the post of a power surge being blamed for a blown circuit board in a garage door opener, - - - - & it is somehting I've been curious about. I've had several blown appliances in the 9-10 years I've lived in the sticks - - AC, remote phones, etc.

looch · Sep 9, 2002

I always thought Hydro-Quebec was the worst for spikes/brownouts, but I haven't had any problems yet. I don't have any experience with circuit panel protectors, but you'd better believe that I have a UPS on my PC and modem line. Out of curiousity, what is the main source of your power (hydro, nuclear)?

Anonymous Poster · Sep 10, 2002

Based on what I've seen over the years, bigger surge protectors seem to have a slower clamping speed. Slower clamping speeds lead to more damage to electrical equipment.
There are some fairly good small task designed units available, but the cost of surge protection is often higher than replacement of an appliance.
Where you're protecting things like computers, nothing beats a good UPS.
Before you look at any surge protection equipment, it might be a good idea to monitor your voltage over a period of time. Very often it turns out damage to equipment is caused by old poorly maintained utility connections that have corroded.

heehaw · Sep 10, 2002

i work in the electronic field, and have done a lot of testing protectors of all kinds..and from what i have found, you do not always get what you pay for..the state police in arkansas has a state wide microwave communications system, they just paid mega bucks to have a company redo the grounding and protection on a lot of their sites...and they still get damaged..but of course they have a 300 ft tower standing there that the lightning sure likes..in our offices, i installed some military surplus building protectors, plus i use a lot of the power strips from wally world that have protection build in, and we have had minor damage ..at home i installed protectors from panamax on my satellite/tv equipment, in 96, and haven't had any damage since..i had lost the tv a couple times before that. the main thing is you can't put to much protection on the line..but start with the individual protectors...they may solve all of your problems. some even give warranties on the equipment they protect.
heehaw

Tdog · Sep 10, 2002

Thanks, guys. I have an APC UPS for my computer, but my individual surge protection devices for stereo, satellite, microwave, etc. are 8+ years old. Some had indicator lights that no longer light up & I should replace.
Guess it's time I got started.

heehaw · Sep 11, 2002

i'd probably replace them if there was a lot of lightning storms every year in that area. for the price, i don't think you can beat the panamax protectors...in fact, i don't think you can beat them by spending 10X what they cost. they work very well.
heehaw

pajoube · Sep 11, 2002

My home was hit twice, one a direct hit and the other hit the ground between homes and knocked out 4 homes. Since then I installed a whole house surge protector and end of point surge protection on everything. Since then I never have had a hit - go figure.
PJ

Anonymous Poster · Sep 12, 2002

I wouldn't be too concerned because the lights quit working after 8 years, they are usually just NE-2 neons, and you got great life from those bulbs.
Before I'd replace surge protectors with new ones, I'd research to find out how the proposed new units stack up against the ones you have.

dummy · Sep 12, 2002

Ever built your own? <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.alliedelec.com/catalog/pf.asp?FN=871.pdf>http://www.alliedelec.com/catalog/pf.asp?FN=871.pdf</A>

heehaw · Sep 13, 2002

yep, used MOV's for years, still do some, switched to SAS's, and about everything else on the market...have had the power cords blown to itty bitty bits, and the equipment work fine after installing a new cord....damage due to lightning has dropped significantly in the last 10 years...i think its due to the quality/speed of the protectors..
MOV= metal oxide resistor
SAS= silicon avalanche suppressor
i "think" i have those names right..??
heehaw