Why whole house surge protectors are not enough

@erik_squires Thanks for your thoughtful and detailed response.  If I lived where there was lightning, I'd be full in on the best surge protection available for everything excep my audio system....I'd probably just unplug my Regenerator before each storm....I know, PITA but as you know, I don't even like the degradation caused by fuses. 

I'd probably come up with some inexpensive equipment to use when lightning is in the area.  

Difficult problem you have and I feel for you.

thanks,

Jerry 

I use isolation transformers for all my audio gear, and all the A/V. Maybe that's why my 2009 Kuro Plasma is still working - and working well enough to make the 4K upgrade unattractive.

And thanks for the thread, Eric. A real public service.

@terry9  Isolation transformers have a lot of inductance, they act a little like series mode protectors. :)

Anyone care to explain how a vaccum clear, or anythig inside a home, can cause a surge? Surges always come from outside the home.

@carlsbad2 Depends on how you classify them. Some statistics say 80% or more come from inside, especially whenever inductive loads (i.e. big motors) start or stop. Of course, this includes very small surges we might expect equipment to shrug off. They tend to be small, but may accumulate.

Anyone who has ever heard a thump through their stereo when a vacuum, ceiling fan, AC or hair dryer has turned on or off has literally heard a surge.