[TowerTalk] WHOLE HOUSE SURGE/LIGHTNING PROTECTION

[Dale M. Schwartz]

The Georgia Power Co  whole-house plan is called Premium Protection, and I believe is being sold by power companies all over the USA. They do the magic on the electric lines, CATV, and telephone lines-- all where they enter the house. They do provide a warranty ("insurance"?) against losses to most household appliances and electronic equipment.
     The Internet web site says it does not cover "unusual electronic equipment" and even the supervisors at the call center could not tell me if ham gear would be covered. I asked them to send me the actual "insurance policy/warranty form" and they mailed it today. As soon as I get it I'll report here. Also I'm polling the S.E. DX Club members to see if any of them have any experience with this program.
      I know that some of the major homeowners insurance companies cover you for lightning strikes-- but probably not normal surges.
     My office building (abt 35 years old) in the past had big problems with just normal surges that would ow power supplies on computers and telephone equipment. The power company put a recording device on the line in my office and you could see spikes occasionally where the 120 volt line would jump up way higher for an instant. They put some device in the building (a surge suppressor?) and that solved the problem.
           Dale. k4ROZ
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