[Elecraft] [OT} Whole House Surge Protection

[Erik Basilier]

Well, a lot of things lead me to believe that absolute protection is not to
be expected with any design, and warranties are likely worthless even if
they seem to apply. Am I wrong to assume that "lightning" mostly differs
from other surge sources in total energy for a direct or close hit? In other
words, if there is a lightning strike that is not direct or very close, its
total energy as well as rise time and duration would not be very different
from other surges, and a whole house surge suppressor that can handle other
surges would be equally helpful for the one generated by lightning. I may be
wrong about the pulse shape being similar, but my first guess stems from the
assumption that the wires between the lightning strike site and the house
play a major role in shaping the pulse. Anyway if my assumption is correct,
it makes sense to get whole house protection not as guaranteed lightning
protection but because it would significantly improve the odds of avoiding
electronics damage due to lightning.

 

Dave's comment also gives me the idea to call the local utility and ask if
they offer whole house protection at a better price than the $600 unit I
identified.

 

73,

Erik K7TV

 

David Gilbert wrote:

The fine print on the whole house system offered by my electric utility
specifically exempts lightning surges from protection.