Coax Cable Question

[sleddriver]

Originally Posted By: Wingman
Thank you for the information on the spike suppressors. I had no idea that something like this existed. I am going to place an order today. Every time I ask a question on this board, I am amazed at how much I learn from all of you.

One more thing...you can also install a whole-house surge arrestor on your main electrical panel to shunt any high voltage spikes directly to the panel's ground. Leviton & others make them. Be sure to get one with LED indicators so you can easily tell it's still OK.

 

[Wingman]

I will definitely look into that!

 

[Volvohead]

Absolutely do.

People think that mains transient protection is just for lightning strikes. It is so much more. The typical residential mains supply can get hit dozens of times each day with momentary transients and line noise caused from neighboring consumers. It's the worst during summer. Transients slowly wear down the power supplies and built-in transient protection of modern electronics. Computerized circuits are less tolerant of transients and noise than older equipment. Most everything is now computerized at some level, starting with heating and HVAC systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and water softeners, right down to simple appliances such as microwaves, cordless phones and clock radios. Our well pump controller is even computerized. Some of this equipment is not inexpensive.

A good transient protection scheme will add years to most of the electrical equipment in your home.

A $20 spike strip at the TV is not enough. A good plan has multiple layers of protection. It starts right at the meter, will have a second device in the service panel, and then a third outlet layer at some equipment. This way, heavier transients are handled earlier and closer to ground, leaving consumer grade power strips with little more than clean up for the more sensitive equipment.

If you are not handy or comfortable working with your service panel, give an electrician a call. Most are very happy to do this work. It's money very well spent.