[TowerTalk] Question re: Whole House Surge Protection

[W1GOR]

Eric,

I have designed Polyphaser and Joslyn devices into railroad communications
systems and have had excellent results in protecting VHF, UHF, and digital
Microwave systems from power surges and nearby lightning strikes.    In
electrified railroad territory, the third-rail transients are potentially
more damaging than ordinary power-line transients.   When one considers a
third-rail potential of 700 to 750 VDC, and substation capabilities of
20,000 ADC, total power levels of 15 Megawatts can do a lot of damage.

In my personal station, I use Polyphaser and ICE coaxial surge suppressors
to protect the solid-state transceivers and tube-boatanchors.  This should
not be construed as being an endorsement for any particular manufacturer,
but simply as what was best for my design at the time and for the amount of
available funds.

Grounding is one of the most controversial subjects and is generally divided
into three major areas.  These are: RF, Lighning, and Safety.  Each type of
ground has it's very own pros and cons in terms of construction methodology.
My advice is for everyone to search the internet for as much installation
information as possible and to intelligently design and construct the best
system for your own station.  I realize that the last statement is overly
simplistic, but there are far too many applicable methods and devices to
pick any single design.

73, Larry - W1GOR


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eric Rosenberg" <wd3q at starpower.net>
To: <rfi at contesting.com>; <towertalk at contesting.com>; <pvrc at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:12 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Question re: Whole House Surge Protection


> My neighborhood was zapped on July 4th. An indirect hit caused a
> powerline surge at our house that nailed my Omni-6+ and other devices
> (wireless phone, answering machine, home alarm control panel, computer).
>  Oddly, while our hit came trhough the AC line, my neighbor was hit
> through his cable connection (our TVs were not hit).
>
> Many have suggested we install a whole-house surge protector.  The local
> power company (Pepco) will sell me one through their subsidiary, Pepco
> Energy Services), but will not install it.
>
> My question:  since I'll have to pay for the device and installation, is
> one better than another?
>
> Pepco Energy Services sells the EFI Electronics Titan 40W40W
> (www.efinet.comm)
>
> Polyphaser (www.polyphaser.com) and Joslyn
> (http://www.jesc.com/joslynsurge/products/index.html) have products, too,
> as do others.
>
> Can anyone recommend one over the other?
>
> I really don't want to do through this again!
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Eric W3DQ
> Washington, DC
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk