w_tom wrote:
Learn by building a protector. Notice what the competition
is doing. First, parts cost on the order of $0.10. So how
many joules did they install? Why so little cost of parts and
yet so such a high price for the protector? Second, minimally
sized 'whole house' protectors cost under $50 for over 1000
joules. You may save money by purchasing a 'whole house'
protector only to remove its MOVs.

Consider safety - UL1449 2nd edition. One trick is to put
inductors in series with the MOVs. Therefore pulse rise time
is not as sharp; MOV less likely to vaporize; more likely to
pass the UL1449 test. (Others assume that the inductor
provides additional electronics protection.) Build it. Its a
great way to learn how protection works. You will not save
money. You will learn.

The 15 amp circuit breaker is required for human safety when
a single plug connects to multiple outlets. If a power strip
(with or without protectors) does not have that 15 amp
breaker, then the strip should be disposed as a human safety
threat.


circuit breakers/fuses protect wiring (and by doing so protect from
'thermal incident' so I'm not disagreeing with you)
GFCI protect humans
Surge protectors/noise surpressors/filters/etc. protect devices


--
Respectfully,


CL Gilbert