pyromill Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Just curious what anyone is doing for protection from lightning mostly, but figured this could be a nice little spot to see what protections anyone might do against damages, loss. I sit here hearing the rumbling thunder of the first storm of the season with now nothing running outside for landscape lighting. Normally I would have some RGB outside along with other low volt ac lighting. Due to the storm everything is off at the breakers, networks unplugged along with computers. Yet a question comes to mind how to best protect against "attacks" to the system without this. We rent this house but the landlord has us treat like our own and doesn't mind paying for logical improvments that increase value. sorry for the long intro. My question is how best to protect from lightning indirect strikes ? ground rod very short distance from the breaker box? one at the pole that feeds the house underground feeders too? how about lor/dmx networks grounding the comms somehow to earth ? already running apc ups for any computer equipment. double check cable line for grounding and if none add to the block another ground rod? off site backup of data for that aspec.. come season.. grounding megas ? other high items? I know there is nothing that can be done really against a direct hit it just seems it wouldn't be a bad idea to protect the gear somehow. posted using my smartphone during the storm, cell provided inet :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparkDr Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 A ground rod at the service will not protect the circuit wiring and equipment in the building from lightning damage. However, a properly grounded and bonded electrical service per NEC (National Electrical Code) requirements is an essential component in handling surges such as indirect lightning strikes. Please keep in mind one of my favorite quotes, "The NEC is a compromise and the results will fall somewhere between perfect and useless. Since the NEC threshold is designated as minimum standards, it can oftentimes skew towards the useless side." If you want to protect the circuit wiring in the building, then surge protection should be installed on the circuit conductors that go outside to the service. A layered and redundant system consisting of quality panel mounted, phone, CATV, and point of use surge receptacles and strips is the best method of preventing equipment protection against damage. Many of these components are single-use, sacrificial products particularly when purchased strictly by price point. I ride a motorcycle and my helmet is my most expensive piece of gear. I'll leave the $20 helmet on the shelf for the guys with $20 heads if you know what I mean. I suggest the same approach for surge protection components. I'll chime back in with the make and model information on my surge components when I get home if anyone is interested, but I do know I'm about $1000 into it for the whole package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grump010 Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 We don't get a great amount of electrical storm activity in the winter, mostly in the summer but this is the direction that I went: http://www.masternet1.com/shockabsorber/item3.htmI use this product as they are the supplier we use in most if not all of the cellular and cable facilities across Canada. In addition, for any electronics areas like the Home Theater, audio system, hobby room and office I've install the receptacle surge protection similar to this: http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/SectionDisplay.jsp?section=39994&minisite=10251With all of this installed, anytime I need a power bar they are also surge suppressed. I got hit about four years ago and it took out the electronics in my furnace, air to air heat exchanger and the associated controls for each, not to mention any damage done that hasn't failed or I haven't seen yet. I consider this a small investment in comparison to what it cost me in time and money to fix the last event. CheersDaryl B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edvas69 Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 (edited) You can get lightning surge protectors/diverters that mount inside your meter box and is what i have used for the last 8 years, I havent had any lightning strikes to test it I use an erico brand similar to this which my brother gave me as he works in the power protection industry. Edited April 10, 2013 by edvas69 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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