Power conditioning / surge protection

Doggydaddy,

I would first start with a whole house SPD, (Surge Protection Device.), installed at the main service electrical panel.

The closer the SPD is connected to the main breaker of the panel the better. Leads from SPD to mains should be as short as possible.

The best SPD in the world is useless if the electrical earth grounding electrode system of your electrical service has a high Soil Resistivity.

The lower the earth soil resistance, there in grounding electrode conductivity, (Ground rod/s, ect), the better the electrical service grounding system will be able to take a lightning strike to earth.

A low earth soil resistance should be 5 ohms or less per IEEE.

Deep earth grounding

SPD protection at your audio equipment is the last line of defense against power surges.
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Another completely different device (unfortunately also called a protector) does protect even from direct lightning strikes. A technology proven even 100 years ago.
04-28-13: Westom

Westom,

An SPD that will protect equipment from a direct lightning strike?
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As far as I know, the only product I know of that protects against a direct lightning strike is a homeowners insurance policy. I was surprised to find this out myself, but I checked with several very good sources and they all gave me the exact same answer. Richard Grey, Shunyata, ESP, Marsh (Monster) and The Cable Company all told me that if your house is hit by lightning, it comes in through the ground and they have no way of stopping it. I really have no reason not to believe them given that they are the ones who actually make the products. Until NASA or Al designs one of these things, I'll keep unplugging my system every time theres a storm.

I have installed a whole house surge Protector. I also have on all three of my dedicated lines an Audience aR2PTO which also has surge protection.
But, I agree with Zd542 (if I'm home) when a lightning storm occurs, unplug everything.

in regards to POWER CONDITIONING, has anyone tried the Isotek Aquarius? If so can you explain your experience....I have read lots of great things......It is one of few that does not limit quality....THX