[jtwrace]

I came accross these products and am curious to know if anyone has one or something similar?  I use all Richard Gray Products in my stereo but would like to help all my other electronics in the house.  Also, it will help the power before the Richard Gray.  Thoughts???

http://www.powergy.com/Residential.aspx

[jmourik]

I've been looking at that too, especially this one: http://www.smarthome.com/4839.html The panamax gpp8005. It can be found as low as $74 on Froogle. Don't know how it compares to the one you posted though.

See also this "Old House" article: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/electrical/article/0,16417,387874-3,00.html

jan

[laserman]

I did this about a year ago.  I researched it and ended up with one that fit inside my service panel (I had enough empty slots) and did the install myself.  It was like changing a circuit breaker - it snapped right in place.  Go to your local electrical supply place and ask them for info.  They are the ones who pointed me in this direction verses a unit outside the panel box.  My friend ended up doing his house too.  Remember this is just the first line of defense and you should still have point-of-use surge protection.

Good luck,
L

[jmourik]

one that fit inside my service panel

Do you remember the brand and type maybe? Sounds quite interesting. Wonder how that works though...

jan

[NealH]

If you are buying one for your whole house then be sure it is rated for Cat 3 service.  This is the ANSI/IEEE category that inludes service entrance wiring and equipment, while 1149 tends to focus more on the "point of use" category(like plug strips and Richard Gray's stuff).  Its always best to use a surge suppressor that is rated for both categories anytime it is being connected to the main electrical distribution circuits via the service panel or meter base.

A C3 rating will be mandatory if you are expecting any lightning protection.  The suppressors that your local utility will install, and provides insurance against equipment and/or appliance damage, will always be C3 rated.  You may want to look into this venue.   

[Double Ugly]

If you are buying one for your whole house then be sure it is rated for Cat 3 service.  This is the ANSI/IEEE category that inludes service entrance wiring and equipment, while 1149 tends to focus more on the "point of use" category(like plug strips and Richard Gray's stuff).  Its always best to use a surge suppressor that is rated for both categories anytime it is being connected to the main electrical distribution circuits via the service panel or meter base.

A C3 rating will be mandatory if you are expecting any lightning protection.  The suppressors that your local utility will install, and provides insurance against equipment and/or appliance damage, will always be C3 rated.  You may want to look into this venue.   

That's excellent information.  Thanks.

-Jim

[JLM]

We put a whole house surge protector in when we built last year.  Amazing all the appliances that now have delicate circuits.  For us it includes home security system, water softner, satellite receivers, TVs, DVDs, PCs, gaming consoles, stove, microwave, diswasher, washing machine, dryer, clocks, coffee maker, and of course "my precious" (audio system).