whole house surge protector

eagertolearn · 03-15-2011, 11:21 AM

I bought a whole house surge protector at lowes to install in our house, my wife wanted one after seeing one installed on a tv show. To install it ill have to install it on the wall outside of the panel. Our panel is in our mud room and my wife doesnt like the idea of the surge protector being visible. Can i run wire to a remote location, garage, and just hook the surge protector up on the wall in a less visible location? Or will the extra distance from the panel make it where the surge panel wont work properly?

secutanudu · 03-15-2011, 11:40 AM

I would think this needs to be installed between the meter and your panel...this should be done by an electrician, and the power company would need to be involved to turn the power off at the meter before proceeding.

Jim Port · 03-15-2011, 11:59 AM

The leads should be kept as short as possible. There are some that install in the panel and look like a two pole breaker.

eagertolearn · 03-15-2011, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Port

The leads should be kept as short as possible. There are some that install in the panel and look like a two pole breaker.

That was going to be my next question. Any help on where i can find one of these? Ive done some looking and havent had any luck.

Jim Port · 03-15-2011, 12:50 PM

What brand panel do you have?

teamo · 03-15-2011, 01:00 PM

You may be able to get one that installs inside the panel. I have a Murray panel and I bought the Murray surge protector that goes into a two pole breaker slot. It is a regular breaker that is also the whole house surge suppressor. I know there are a few other brands that carry these as well but you'll have to go to an electrical supplier to find them. I would check for one for your panel and return the unit that you bought.

HitLines · 03-15-2011, 04:03 PM

Has someone been watching Holmes on Homes?

davido30093 · 03-15-2011, 06:39 PM

How about this one?
http://www.smarthome.com/4860/Levito...otector/p.aspx

gregzoll · 03-15-2011, 10:16 PM

The whole idea of having one, is so that you have this warm fuzzy feeling that your home is protected. That means, if the instructions state to hook on the side of the panel, and connect in the panel to two non-tied 15amp or 20amp breakers, then do what the instructions state.

Just tell the wife, that just because it is on T.V., does not always mean that they are giving wise advice, same with everything she reads on the Internet. The best Whole house Surge protectors, are the ones that are placed following the instructions, but also are placed behind the meter, between it and the lugs in the meter panel.

gregzoll · 03-15-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HitLines

Has someone been watching Holmes on Homes?

At least that is better than someone watching the crap they show on the DIY channel.

eagertolearn · 03-16-2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim port

what brand panel do you have?

c & h

eagertolearn · 03-16-2011, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HitLines

Has someone been watching Holmes on Homes?

someones wife has!

HitLines · 03-21-2011, 12:25 PM

David, what about this one: http://www.fencesupplyinc.com/sycom-...or-p-5102.html. I think that is the one on the HoH show but I could be mistaken.

I noticed a few have single phase protection or three phase. What is the difference between the two and in which scenarios would you have one versus the other?

davido30093 · 03-21-2011, 05:52 PM

It would be very unusual for a residence built in the last few decades to have 3 phase. You could check with your power company to be sure, because I never assume ANYTHING. 3 phase would normally be for commercial power.