In article ,
"Robert11" wrote:

Hello,

Having a new service box installed in a residence.

Electrician has never used these before, so thought I'd ask here.

Was thinking of purchasing, and having him install, an Intermatic Whole
House Surge Suppressor
Model 4870 in the new box. Have had several large lightning storms in the
past, and one nearby strike fried the control board on our furnace ! The
Intermatic unit isn't all that expensive, about $80 or so.

Any of you folks ever used this model ?

Worth doing ? Thoughts on ?

BTW: If they do ever take a big hit, do they (usually) fail open or closed
?

e.g., would the MOV's be shorting the hot to neutral/ground after a big hit,
such that the unit would have to be removed prior to re-initiating service ?

Thanks,
Bob

I'd guess that for $80, you're just buying a single premium lightening
strike insurance policy. If you want actual protection, look to the
professional stuff:

http://www.lightningprotectioncor.com/

Give my friend Chester a call out there and he can recommend something.