herndonb
That doesn't mean that panel-mounted surge protectors aren't worthwhile, however - but they just part of the solution to potential electric problems. And at least in my installation, they are not a substitute for a good isolation transformer, or two or three.
The right way to do lightning and surge protection is with a surge arrestor at your power service panel. Home Depot has panel-mounted arrestors for ~$60, and external (if you don't have room in the box) for ~$110. Protects every electronic device in your home, including the stereo.Sorry, but you're mistaken. Service panel devices such as those from Leviton and Square D are not designed for lightning protection. For that, they make separate devices that are mounted onto the utility's meter pan, between the pan and the meter. Some electric utilities forbid the use of such devices, which is the case where I live.
That doesn't mean that panel-mounted surge protectors aren't worthwhile, however - but they just part of the solution to potential electric problems. And at least in my installation, they are not a substitute for a good isolation transformer, or two or three.