Welcome to Acoustic Frontiers Blog

Creating a system you love shouldn't be difficult. The Acoustic Frontiers blog is here to help.

What is a whole house surge protector?

by Nyal Mellor April 08, 2013

A whole house surge protector is a device connected at your service panel that provides protection from ‘big’ surges such as lightning strikes. Most residential houses are supplied with two 120V legs and so a whole house surge suppressor designed for such an installation would typically have ‘four mode’ protection: live 1-neutral, live 1-ground, live 2-neutral, live 2-ground. Some products add additional live1-live 2 and neutral-ground protection to become a ‘six mode’ device. Commercial facilities may receive ‘three phase power’ which will require a different device.

The maximum surge that can be expected at the service entrance is a C3 combination wave of 20kV, 10kA. Whilst lightning strikes can be 200kA this type of current does not reach the service entrance due to operation of utility surge arrestors, arc over to ground at the service entrance and insulation failure. What high kA rated surge protectors typically give you is longer lifespans, though much depends on the SPD and the protection mechanisms it uses.

Basic whole house protectors are sold at the big box home improvement stores. We, however, recommend the Environmental Potentials EP-2050 which is a more sophisticated device that has the benefit of providing a first tier of noise reduction for your system.

GET THE RESULTS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR WITH ACOUSTIC FRONTIERS

You'll have a system you love.
You'll experience audio-video like never before.
You'll have no doubt you got the best performing system for your budget.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Nyal Mellor

Author

Also in Blog Articles

AVS Forum Home Theater Projects....22 and counting with 6 Home Theater of the Month Awards

by Nyal Mellor November 29, 2023 0 Comments

Here's the list of all the AVS Forum home theater projects we have helped design (in no particular order. Last update 11/29/23.

October 2023 Newsletter

by Nyal Mellor November 06, 2023 0 Comments

"Check out a custom soundproofing solution we created for a client we first worked with in 2012, who later moved across the country in 2020 and downsized to a shared-wall condo. See how he is able to enjoy his media room at concert levels without disturbing his neighbors, and watch the step-by-step build process as documented by our client. Additionally, gain insights from U2 as they delve into their creative process in crafting a groundbreaking performance at the world's largest immersive venue, Sphere Las Vegas. And, as always, be sure to check out our deal and tip of the month."

Stuck In the Middle: Soundproofing a Condo

by Nyal Mellor October 28, 2023 0 Comments

"I’m totally blown away by the project's outcome and can’t believe I can enjoy the room at concert levels without disturbing my neighbors!" Charlie H