[TenTec] Earth those feeders

[Joseph or Ruth Patrick]

Thanks Jim

 I will definitely have to investigate series mode protection. First the house 
system and when the budget allows the rest. Thank you again for your time and 
knowledge.
 73 DE K4XZ Joe Patrick
God Made Man
Sam Colt Made Them Equal 




________________________________
From: Jim Brown <k9yc at audiosystemsgroup.com>
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Wed, September 14, 2011 3:28:32 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Earth those feeders

Hi Joe,

Yes, the AC power line is a common entry point.  I agree that a good 
whole house protector at the main feed is a good thing. I've bought one, 
but haven't installed it yet.  It is critical that the leads between the 
protector, the power line, and the green wire be VERY short.  It is also 
critical that everything in your premises be bonded properly.

Earth connections are not SOURCES of trouble (unless they are not 
properly bonded together), so they do not require protection. The lines 
that need protection are all signal and control lines that enter your 
premises, like CATV, telephone, and antennas. Again, it is critical that 
protectors be properly bonded to the ground system.

You should absolutely avoid shunt mode (MOV) surge protection on branch 
circuits (the sort of things built into outlet strips, and most 
dedicated surge protectors). MOVs on branch circuits are more likely to 
CAUSE damage than to prevent it. MOVs are entirely appropriate at the 
service entrance if they are properly bonded. The ONLY safe protection 
for branch circuits are SERIES MODE protection devices. I use and 
recommend SurgeX products. Yes, I have done consulting for them -- 
teaching, technical writing, and some of their more difficult tech 
support troubleshooting  -- but I was specifying them for ten years 
before they hired me for anything. :)

73, Jim Brown K9YC

On 9/13/2011 2:38 PM, Joseph or Ruth Patrick wrote:
> Good Afternoon Jim
>  Excellent description of the NEC. Recently  I had a near lightning 
> strike. My tower and ground system is set up per the nec as a single 
> point ground system. The strike took out 1 radio, 1 printer, a 
> Signalink USB interface, and a ceiling fan speed control in another 
> room. After much discussion with people much more knowledgeable than 
> myself it was determined that the spike entered thru the main AC feed. 
> I have decided to install a surge suppressor at the main feed. My 
> question is what about the ground line where it enters the  shack. 
> Does this need protection or disconnection also? I am not an EE or an 
> electrician. I do have knowledge of the the NEC as it is adopted in my 
> municipality. I would appreciate your thoughts on this if you have 
> some time. Thank you in advance.

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