With expensive televisions, stereos, and computers common
in today's residences, I am frequently asked about surge
protection to guard against equipment damage. This is especially
important in the mountainous area where I live, as it
is prone to heavy lightning storms. But although lightning
produces the heaviest surges in an electrical system, it is not
the only source. In some areas, power spikes are generated
by the utility itself. And within a home, smaller but more
frequent spikes and surges may be caused by switches,
motors, or solenoids kicking in and out.
Over the years, I have developed a surge suppression system
that can handle both the large power spikes induced