Surge protector

A couple of years ago we had a power surge from a storm. Everything that was plugged into a AQ Niagara conditioner(s) were fine. However, 2 rear JL subs were plugged directly into the wall was damaged. BTW, the front JL subs that were plugged into a Niagara 1200 were unharmed.

So, today all of my equipment, including all 4 subs are plugged into Niagara power conditioner.

BTW, I do have a whole house surge protector, but they do not protect against high/low voltage.

ozzy

I see a lot of recommendations for whole house surge protectors, but most of the talk is directed at the Type 2 unit that is easily installed at the panel.  My understanding is these units give you protection against a surge generated within the house.  All those little surges that dim the lights when an appliance turns on etc., but will give very little in the way of protection against a large surge from an external source such as Lightning strike or a local transformer blowing.  For this you really need a Type 1 protector that is installed at the meter.  It's a complicated issue and I think many of us may not have the protection we think we have.  IMHO.  Cheers. 

@ozzy  I read, I think, that the engineer who did the Furman SMP/LiFT tech went to work at Audioquest.  Maybe I'm mistaken?

@bigtwin Not really a difference for surge protection between Type 1 and Type 2 except where it can be installed. Being type 1 is not necessarily better for your computer or stereo because they still have similar clamping voltages, but if you can install it closer to the meter you may have better luck mitigating an external surge. In theory though a Type 1 has to use more rugged parts than type 2. See linke, above.

The Siemens BoltShield I have happens to be rated for both, and still has a relatively high clamping voltage and some activation time.

In terms of meeting the NEC requirements for new home construction either location is acceptable, so long as the SPD is rated appropriately, meaning, as far as the NEC is concerned they’ll offer similar protection for your equipment regardless of where it’s installed.

You may also install both kinds, and there’s some merit in installing them at sub-panels when the sub panels are particularly far away from the main panel.

So, I return to my main thesis, that the most important part of a surge protection strategy is having a whole house surge protector AND a highly effective plug in surge protector for your sensitive gear.

Once you have done that I think the question of whether your whole house unit should be at your meter or panel becomes less important.

@erik_squires   Yes.  As I read further, it appears that nothing gives protection in the event of an actual lightning strike.  Storms in the area are best handled by unplugging your system.  Cheers.