On Apr 9, 10:12 am, "Bob Eager" wrote:
On Mon, 9 Apr 2007 14:25:01 UTC, "w_tom" wrote:

(usual rant)

See, we said he wouldn't be long. Ignore as usual....


Its amazing. You and Graham are psychics.

For good information on surges and surge protection try
http://www.mikeholt.com/files/PDF/Li...ion_May051.pdf
- the title is "How to protect your house and its contents from
lightning: IEEE guide for surge protection of equipment connected to
AC power and communication circuits" published by the IEEE in 2005
(the IEEE is the dominant organization of electrical and electronic
engineers in the US).

also:
http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/p.../surgesfnl.pdf
- this is the "NIST recommended practice guide: Surges Happen!: how to
protect the appliances in your home" published by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (the US government agency
formerly called the National Bureau of Standards) in 2001

The NIST guide is very readable. IEEE guide requires some (not much)
technical background. Surge information is completely generic.
Protection information is based on US, but differences to UK for
surges are pretty minor, primarily earthing.

Both guides say plug-in suppressors are effective.

Suppressor ratings range from junk to very high. At high ratings a
manufacturer can warrantee both the suppressor and connected
equipment.

Note that all interconnected equipment needs to be connected to the
same plug-in suppressor. External wires like phone, cable TV, ... also
need to go thorough the suppressor. The voltage on ALL wires (power
and signal) to protected equipment needs to be clamped to the common
ground at the suppressor. This is described in both guides.

--
bud--