Main panel, whole house, lightning protector

[zuzu]

What is the thing called that one installs on their main electrical panel to handle direct lightning strikes? How much do they cost and where is a good place to get one?

[bhenry]

It is called a surge suppressor. You can get one that goes directly into your electrical panel (you need to know what type and brand of breakers fit in your panel) or you can get one that goes on the outside of the panel. You can even get one that can be installed outside before your service enters your house.

I would stick with one of the first two options.

I would recommend finding an electrical supply house, Home Depot doesn't usually carry these things. I have a Square D whole house surge suppression "breaker" (type QO) in my panel and it cost me about $60.00. That's a small price to pay to protect your equipment.

Good Luck!

[Guest " "]

We have 3 home Depot stores within a 5 mile radius and one carries this item.

Just be advised...these devices wear out...as they take power hits...there ability to take hits gets consumed. The kind that are built into power strips have LED indicator lights that say "protect" which means the MOV's are still working.

[mickel]

thank for this and i appreciate your idea.

Lamps

We have 3 home Depot stores within a 5 mile radius and one carries this item.

Just be advised...these devices wear out...as they take power hits...there ability to take hits gets consumed. The kind that are built into power strips have LED indicator lights that say "protect" which means the MOV's are still working.