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Lightning protection tips

By DAVE GUSSOW
Published August 8, 2005

Electrical surges and fragile electronics don't mix. Protecting the gadgets can be a challenge, especially during thunderstorm season. Here are some tips and resources:

* People should at least use surge protectors, according to Ray Hill, research technologist at the National Electric Energy Testing Research and Applications Center at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Hill has surge protectors at several locations in his house, including on appliances such as a microwave oven. "The more of them you have, the better off your whole house is," Hill said.

* A surge protector at the outside electric meter is ideal, Hill says. That would kill most of the energy coming into a house; the individual surge protectors can handle the rest. Tampa Electric and Progress Energy offer outside meter protection.

* All wires - electric, phone and cable - should be protected.

* Price is no guarantee of performance of a surge protector, Hill says. Some cheaper ones may do a better job than more expensive models. One way to judge: how much damage expense the manufacturer will accept if it fails.

* Do not unplug electronics if you hear thunder. That means lightning is in the area and makes it dangerous.

* Web sites such as the National Lightning Safety Institute (www.lightningsafety.com/) have more information.

* Nothing is 100 percent protected if lightning strikes.

[Last modified August 5, 2005, 21:24:02]