ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 5, 1997 TAG: 9701070055
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
Q: My computer, microwave oven, VCR, etc., do not always work properly and do not last as long as they should. Would installing a whole-house voltage surge protector help? Do they use much electricity?
A: Every home should have a whole-house voltage surge protector in addition to individual plug-in outlet surge protectors. This two-stage method protects your electronic equipment from all but a direct lightning strike.
A whole-house surge protector uses only one-half watt of electricity (about four cents per month). Installing one can save hundreds of dollars in appliance replacement and repair costs. Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes also last longer and stay brighter.
Each day hundreds of short-duration voltage surges, many over 5,000 volts, enter your home. These can cause just a simple computer glitch or an instant burnout. Most often, these surges slowly break down the solid state components and insulation, so the electronic device fails prematurely.
It is not only computers, VCR's and microwaves that are damaged by high-voltage surges. Most new dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, etc., have delicate electronic controls that can be damaged by high voltage surges.
There are several designs of whole-house surge protectors. A standard double circuit breaker design is easiest to install. If you are not handy with electrical work, an electrician can install it in five minutes.
Another design hangs from a standard knockout in the circuit breaker box. I use this type in my house. These attach with just three or four wires. Always switch off the incoming main breaker before touching any wires.
A third design is mounted under the electric meter. These use a very large metal oxide varistor (MOV) component for very effective surge protection. These are often sold through an electric utility company and usually require professional installation.
Not all whole-house models provide equal protection. Compare several of the key performance specifications before buying one.
Total energy dissipation specification (in joules) is important. A model with a higher value blocks stronger voltage surges without being damaged. All protectors have lights indicating whether they are still working.
An equally important specification is the clamping voltage. This indicates the voltage surge level at which the protector begins to block the excess voltage. A lower number, often around 240 volts, is best.
For a buyer's guide of 15 whole-house surge protectors listing design type, clamping voltage, energy dissipation, reaction time, prices and information on a timer outlet model, write to James Dulley, The Roanoke Times, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. Ask for Update Bulletin No. 846. Please include $2 and a business-size self-addressed stamped envelope.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 linesby CNB