default wrote:
On Tue, 09 May 2006 10:41:48 -0500, jakdedert
...
Or, better yet, start at the beginning . . .Check the power
transformer. There should be a lightning arrestor for the transformer
- a kind of insulator that sits off to the side of the can that is
clamped to the can and has a small 1/2"-1" air gap between it and the
HV terminal. (designs vary quite a bit but it should be there in some
form - a collection of broken porcelain around the base of the pole
and some carbon blocks means it is done its job once too often)

The transformer pole and transformer must be grounded. There should
be a thick soft copper wire running from the transformer down the
length of the pole and into the ground. Usually the wire is wrapped
in a spiral and nailed to the bottom of the pole.

Without the transformer grounded - anything you do may be wasted
effort. I had no problem getting a neighbor's lightening arrestor
replaced with just a call to the power company and, in another
instance, a pole ground wire replaced - they are subject to being
stolen by people trying to salvage the copper. Two different power
companies and no arguments - they just went out and fixed it.
...

Default makes an important point. Defined for a house is a 'whole
house' protection system - also called secondary protection. Primary
protection is provided by the utility, as default has described.
Pictures that demonstrate inspection of a Primary protection system:
http://www.tvtower.com/fpl.html