[Elecraft] Lightning damage

[djl]

I know personally (not FOF) of one death due to a hanging RF cable, in 
this case a cb antenna. Don't just leave the lead to your antenna 
hanging. I use very inexpensive switches from epay that have a grounded 
off.

MOV devices only absorb a finite, unpredictable, number of hits. In 
other words, the next hit may be the device's failure.  There are other 
devices that are better. As with ground fault outlets, you only need one 
good protective device per AC circuit. In fact, on the ordinary 
household service, one industrial strength device on each side of the 
220 service at the breaker box is needed.  Look up "whole house surge 
suppressor" online.  Some of the "best" have mov's.   I have not looked 
lately at availability of non-mov units, which I could recommend.  
Multiple outlet strips with surge protection have in general mov's that 
are too samll. I personally don't trust them.

ARRL has a very good guide to grounding and protection.

73 and happy grounding

-- 
Dr. Don Latham
PO Box 404, Frenchtown, MT, 59834
VOX: 406-626-4304