[Boatanchors] AC Line Protection for Boatanchors

[W4AWM at aol.com]

You can have most power companies install a whole house surge protector but 
 they usually charge monthly rental fees thereafter. The good thing is that 
if  you have a surge which blows the protector, they have to replace it at 
no  charge. The other solution is to buy one from your local electrical 
supply  outfit and install it yourself IF you are qualified or  hire an 
electrician to do the job.  If you use the second solution, be sure  to check your 
local Electrical inspector to see if a permit is needed and learn  about any 
applicable electrical codes governing your installation.
 
That protector does not get you off the hook entirely. You can still have  
surges from your local TV cable company and telephone company lines, not to  
mention any hits to your various TV, Satellite and ham antennas. The only 
true  but still not entirely foolproof way to protect your gear is to 
disconnect them  from every external connection, which includes line cords, 
antennas, etc. It is  a pain but it's the best way.
 
If you don't have it, get the ARRL equipment insurance policy. While most  
homeowners policies will cover damage done by electrical surges and 
lightning,  there is usually a good size deductable which will come out of your 
pocket and  you don't want to file miscellaneous low claims with your insurance 
company  anyway. Save that for catastrophic damages.