On 10/6/2012 11:28 AM, gregz wrote:

The devices in the protector do not last once hit. They either reduce
capability or completely fail. One shot, blow up. MOV. Surge protectors or
anything else, are not designed to deal with a direct lightning strike.

That is all complete nonsense.

The
common connection is the same place ground is, unless it goes to a
different ground stake or stakes.


Not obvious what you are saying.

You do not want multiple earthing systems. You create an earthing
system, which may have multiple earthing electrodes, and connect it at
the service to the power system ground, which is bonded to the service
neutral. Entry protectors for phone and cable must connect with short
ground wires to a common connection point on the power earthing system.
Dish entry protectors also connect there.

Multiple earthing electrodes can be at far different potential during a
surge 'event' or a nearby lightning strike. Much of the protection is
that during an 'event' the building wiring may rise far above 'absolute'
earth potential, but they all rises together.