"Ignoramus10397" wrote in message
.. .
We bought an expensive TV.

Our house is on top of a little hill, but still the tallest in the
area, and was hit by lighting 3 years ago:

http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/lightning/

I want to redo some things in the house so that some things are done
better.


Specifically:

1. Replace existing APC 1400 VA UPS that the "consumer electronics"
including the TV and various audio/video things is on, with an APC
2200.

2. Since the 2200 UPS is too big to hide it near the TV, and too ugly
(I bought a few military surplus used ones) and unsightly, we want to
put it in the basement below the TV area and route the circuit through
it. That is, the UPS would be in series with that receptacle.

Is it safe to wire a receptacle to be on a UPS 100% of the time?

3. I want to install surge protection not only on the incoming power
line (which the APC 2200 should take care of), but also on the "dish"
cable.

What kinds of options do I have?

4. Install a proper lightning rod. I already have a copper rod beaten
into the ground. Can I connect my lightning rod to it? Or do I need a
separate grounding rod?

i

For lightning protection your looking for UL-96a. For insurance you will
need to have the installation inspected and receive a "Master Label".
Lightning protection is not rocket science. But it is certainly not running
an extension cord out to your Christmas yard lights either. You can buy the
parts from several manufactures. HINT..... your going to need more than one
ground rod.
Lightning protection is a sacrificial path to ground. I can guarantee you
even if you have a Master Label on the system if your house gets hit your
going to have a lot more damage than a busted TV.
I worked on a house in Prescott Valley that got hit. We tore every sheet of
drywall off and all of the stucco. Replaced every piece of wiring and
plumbing. Not much of a fire, just a lot of black lines on the stucco and
drywall. Thank god they were not home. Every finial on the roof was gone
and all of the down leads were zebra marks on the finish of the home. Yep
on a hill out by itself.


A whole house surge protection device in the electrical service panel will,
HELP.......
Please check the SOARS book on grounding at your public library.
Surge protection per the IEEE is done in zones. You must have 2 of the three
zones covered/overlapped for "protection" . Third zone is the utility and
their concept of protection is nothing that will do you any good.

Proper grounding of your dish and the underground cable feeding your home
will, HELP......
This does not mean driving a ground rod out there. Unless you follow the
"supplemental grounding" in the NEC. Ever wonder why they tell you stand
with your feet together during a lightning storm?

Ain't no guarantees that after you install all of this equipment that it
will even help.

Each site is different. Please consult local pros for advice before you
start funding the bush economy.