Whole house surge protectors

Community Playground General Discussions
1

I know this isn’t z-wave spacific but I’m losing z-wave components (and non z-wave as well) to power surges. I’ve bought a bunch of UPS’s but it’s too much and I can’t put them everywhere so I need a whole house solution. What has everyone else been using? Does anyone know anything about this Leviton box?

2

I bought an Intermatic model after reading a white paper on it. It installs on 2 different breakers installed on each phase of the house. Hopefully I’ll never have to let you know how well it works.

3

I just picked up a couple of these units by Eaton. The unit has very good specs, and fairly small, for easy installation. Also, the price couldn’t be beat!

http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Breakers-Distribution-Load-Centers-Whole-House-Surge-Protectors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbm05/R-100141856/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

4

I called my electric company and they installed a whole-house surge suppressor for me right in the meter. It plugs into the meter socket, and the meter plugs into it. Their electrician just sealed both rings, and it’s been good ever since. Saves me from worrying about individual surge protectors on each piece of gear.

You should also be aware of the potential for surges on any phone or cable lines you have coming in, too.

5

@mbairhead,

Just curious, did you decide on anything in this regard?

6

[quote=“oTi@, post:5, topic:167801”]@mbairhead,

Just curious, did you decide on anything in this regard?[/quote]
I ordered the Leviton but haven’t installed yet. This is one of those things that you can only tell if it’s working if nothing happens, so you tend to forget about it.

7

I was thinking of doing the same. You definitely triggered something here. Thanks for bringing it up.

8

Just curious-if it indeed does take a hit, what happens? Does it reset itself? Is it user serviceable? Or does it just self-destruct?

9

I believe it just takes the hit and doesn’t require any intervention.

10

Right. I expect it will divert excess power to ground, indefinitely, as long as its ratings are not exceeded. Which depends on the hit, obviously.

11

I too have wondered how well they work. I have had one for many years and so far so good. By this I mean I have not had anything fried by power surges. I have a Liebert Whole house protector for sale right now on ebay if anyone is interested. I replaced it with one that simply snapped into my breaker box when I re re-finishing my garage. It provided a cleaner looking installation.

[url=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190463096606]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190463096606[/url]

12

With all of the lightning storms, etc this year, I was getting worried about the fragility of all these z-wave devices I have around, so went and installed an Intermatic IG1240RC3 Whole House Type 2 Surge Suppressor.

10 minutes to install. Has a service panel screw clamp on it, so you can attach it directly (code compliant!) to your Service Panel.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NVLWN2

**Also gave me the opportunity to move my TED5000 mtus to different breakers (PLC = garbage). TED stopped reporting after I installed the Elk Relay for my HW Heater. All sweet again.

.//A.