[TowerTalk] Whole house surge protectors

[Rob Atkinson, K5UJ]

the unit in use here is the Innovative Technology XT-40.  response time is 
spec'ed at <= 1 nanosecond.  circuit diagnostics are 2 LEDs, one per leg.    
it uses "encapsulated" MOVs.  These are supposed to last longer.  Protection 
is on L-N, and L-L.  EMI/RF attenuation up to 41 db normal mode; up to 40 db 
common mode.   for more information  google innovative technology xt-40.

I frankly do not put much faith in one of these things for lightning 
protection.  I had mine installed more to handle a surge from something else 
happening to the local service grid, like my neighborhood suddenly going 
dark while i'm running the station and have everything on, then the service 
returning before I have a chance to shut everything down.   So mine's there 
for when a squirrel or racoon gets up on a pole and gets fried.

whole house protectors are also intended to be used in conjuction with point 
of service protectors, so if you get one at your main panel, you don't get 
to toss out all of your wall outlet protectors.    An excellent point of 
service device is made by price wheeler.   it does not use MOVs.  I wish 
they made one for the panel for > 20 A service.  see www.pricewheeler.com

rob/k5uj

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