ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Surge protection receptacles

Jer,

Surge protection uses metal oxide varyistors to shunt overloads to ground. They quite literally just short circuit hot to ground in the event of a voltage transient. It *should* be effective anywhere on the circuit, whether in series, parallel or on a completely different breaker, though voltage drop associated with the MOV activation on that branch circuit may help reduce the spike a little. Would, honestly, be most effective right at the panel, as it would protect your entire house- they make breaker style TVSS or small external ones you plug right into the panel that are far more effective than any receptacle or power strip would be.

If you get a direct lightning strike, you're toast regardless. And don't forget the CATV and phone lines!