[Test-Equipment] Re: [TekScopes2] Mains protection for work bench test equipment?

[Ron Youvan]

> I used to spend my summers on an island in the St. Lawrence River. It was
> composed mostly of sand (think quartz..  a pretty good insulator). One
> evening we were watching TV and there was a nearby thunderstorm. I heard
> a bang from a nearby strike and saw a spark jump from the light switch on
> the living room wall to a floor air heating vent...  roughly 6 feet. No
> surge protector, no damage to anything in the house, TV included.

   I was setting in the living room (in Florida) watching the rain start
outside and I saw lightning strike the top wire (5.2 kV line) and fire
shot out of every light switch in the house, every light bulb in the
house (turned on or off) blew like flash bulbs, most box breakers were
tripped.
   The wall switches were frozen or blown open all had to be replaced,
I was thrilled the water pump and refrigerator weren't fried.
   It can happen.    I use MOVs and capacitors now.
-- 
    Ron  KA4INM - Please pay your taxes promptly our
                  illegal aliens need the free benefits!