Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 11, 1994 TAG: 9410110116
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: David Butler
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Yes, but a whole-house surge arrester is intended to complement, not replace, outlet strips and other point-of-use surge protection devices. A whole-house arrester can do nothing to protect against surges generated by products inside the home (e.g., vacuum cleaners, electronic ignition systems and light switches). A multilayered approach is the best strategy.
Electrical surges are far more common than you think. Aside from the relatively large spikes that occur from time to time, your home's electrical system is continually subjected to low-level spikes and surges. The effect on sensitive electronic equipment can be cumulative, eventually leading to intermittent problems or complete failure of a component.
Point-of-use protection is the best defense against low-level electrical disturbances. Look for a suppressor with a near-instantaneous response time and peak surge rating of 330 volts (UL 1449). It would not be practical to protect every electronic device you own. However, high-dollar items such as audio/video gear, computers, printers, and fax machines are no-brainers. If you don't protect these, you're asking for trouble.
Sorting through all the hype and technical jargon can be a daunting task. The following list of desirable features should help in your selection: full three-line protection (line, neutral and ground); sine wave tracking (for tightest control of peaks); audible low voltage warning (next best thing to an uninterruptible power supply); EMI/RFI suppression (can cause radio, TV and data interference) a nd fail-safe mode (if suppressor fails, it defaults to an open circuit).
A whole-house surge arrester (installed at breaker panel) represents the next layer of protection. Although it can't compare with a point-of-use suppressor when it comes to sensitive electronics, a surge arrester can protect your electrical wiring and appliances from medium to large spikes and surges. It will also prolong the life of point-of-use surge suppressors.
However, even a whole-house surge arrester may not be able to withstand a direct lightning hit. If you live in an area prone to thunderstorms, you may want to consider a lightning rod system. A whole-house surge arrester can handle the surges generated by nearby strikes as well as any residual energy from a direct hit.
Finally, don't overlook low voltage wiring. Anything connected to the cable or telephone network is susceptible to voltage surges (don't expect much help from network protection devices). TVs, VCRs, modems, fax machines and electronic telephones are especially vulnerable. You can save money by selecting a dual-function model. Several variations are available at prices as low as $35.
A growing number of suppressors come with a lifetime protection guarantee. The manufacturer will pay up to $25,000 (limit varies with model) to repair or replace any products that sustain electrical damage while connected to the suppressor. This is a great perk since most homeowners policies limit coverage to damage caused by a direct lightning hit (subject to a deductible). Electronic equipment is far more likely to be damaged by an indirect hit or an electrical system spike.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture plug-in and whole-house surge protectors, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-427, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products.
Whole-house and plug-in surge suppressors act together to protect personal computers and other sensitive electronics.|
Reader Tip: Whenever there's a power failure, I quickly turn off my air conditioner, refrigerator and any electronics that were on. Otherwise, damage could result from repeated electrical ``bouncing'' that sometimes occurs as the power tries to stabilize.
by CNB