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New home power protection?

This summer I'm moving to SW MI where thunder storms are common.  They are rare where I live currently so have not worried about them here.  But with stories from others about damaged electronics from lightening I have questions since I'm not familiar with any of this.

1.  Is whole house surge protection at the panel effective and worthwhile?

2.  Apparently cable and phone line protection is separate and must be added to the panel protection.  I assume this is appropriate to add if going for whole house protection?

3.  The realtor ask about adding a generator.  I assume that is a separate issue to provide temporary power during an outage but does not offer line surge protection, correct?  The generator is triggered after the power fails, with or without a major surge (although that may be quite rapid), correct?

Thanks if you have knowledge on this issue to share. 
pryso
gdnrbob
4,420 posts
 
I concur with snapsc.
There will be no 100% effective surge protection, but I would, at least, get a sacrificial whole house surge protector. They aren't very expensive, but should provide a good layer of protection.
Bob
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,386 posts
 
I use a whole house protector wired into the mains box after a lightening strick took out an amp......a couple of years ago.....no issues since.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I have a whole house surge and an extra grounding rod.  The whole house surge will help to stop a huge hit.  However, the power it takes to trip the surge is huge.  A hit will still get partially through.  Even with the whole house unit you will still need a decent surge at your unit.  My whole house saved some big stuff but still allowed enough through to fry my PS Audio Quintet.  The loss of a $500 unit saved about $20k.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,549 posts
 
While I respect the answers posted above it would be nice to hear from some of our members with a direct link to the profession, I won't mention names but those that have been here on Audiogon for a while know several members that I'm referring to.
snapsc
666 posts
 
Let me add one more thing...in the event that you do decide to go with lightning rods in addition to whole house surge protection...this is the advice offered in the community I live in...

"The Design and Installation of a Lightning Protection System is a "Specialized Trade". These complex systems should only be installed by Qualified Installers. Roofers, general contractors, electrical contractors are not Qualified Installers of Lightning Protection Systems. Do not accept a Lightning Protection system from anyone other than a U.L. Listed, N.F.P.A. Member and L.P.I. Certified, Lightning Protection Contractor ".
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