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From: dya@unc-c.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.micro.cpm
Subject: Re: Lightning Protection
Message-ID: <1076@unc-c.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 6-Aug-83 08:26:24 EDT
Article-I.D.: unc-c.1076
Posted: Sat Aug  6 08:26:24 1983
Date-Received: Sun, 7-Aug-83 07:36:41 EDT
Lines: 35

References: sri-arpa.3798

Full-Name: David Anthony
Location: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

	Lightning surges really come in two varieties. The first is almost
invariably destructive; if your home mains should suffer a truly direct
hit, there isn't much one can do except call the insurance company.

	Fortunately, this is not the usual case. The best el-cheapo way
to deal with this probelm is use of a GE-MOV  **WIRED AT THE POINT OF
ENTRY INTO THE WALL OUTLET** or similar device. What a GE-MOV does is
essentially the equivalent of two back-to-back zener diodes, so when
the voltage rises above ~ 160 volts (on 117 v mains), the voltage is
effectively clamped.
	On my sensitive equipment (i.e. Accuphase amplifier, tuner,
and various computing devices) I have acquired a 3000 kv-a Sola constant
voltage transformer.  It seems that the biasing circuits in my amplifier
didn't like all those air conditoners starting in my apartment complex. (i.e. Pouf ! and $ 45 of outputs gone). It also
saves my computing equipment from errors of the same kind.
	Telephone circuitry is usually very well protected, with all
kinds and manner of gas arrestors, etc.
	The Sola transformer is a bit extreme, but you might  find one
surplus somewhere for $ 100 or so.  Be sure to get the sinewave kind,
the square wave outputs are for driving rectifier stuff only (either
directly or through another transformer).
	Most surges from lightning can be controlled, and I highly reccomend
the GE-MOV first. We have had them in service on several satellite receivers
connected to a dish which scores many near- and direct-hits for some reason.
No lightning damage to date.

GE-MOV is a trademark of the General Electric Company

> From the Home of the Video Wizards
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