Surge Protection and Surge Arrestors

[Christos]

@Christos I also find that the mainboard trips during a lightning storm or after the power comes back on. That says something, does it?

I live between 2 mountains that are rich in copper/iron ore so I can appreciate the tripping.
I used to get a lot of tripping as well until I replaced the earth leakage unit altogether.

Last I checked the equipment I needed to test the earth leakage was about 10k and a new unit cost me 5k.

I still get trips as I have increased the trip current (off the top of my head I think it was a 20mA to 30mA but I could be wrong) but now I get a trip maybe quarterly instead of weekly and almost daily in the thunderstorm season.

 

[Hakhan]

you have to install class 2 or class 3 surge protection on your DB. Dehn is pretty reliable and use HRC fuses to protect them. UPS to provide addtional protection but more important provide a clean power supply to your electronics. Dont be to stress about the backup time of the UPS as you will be using it primarily for protection. UPS is not designed to be a surge protector.
If you have 3 phase power you may eant to consider upgrading your incomming circuit breaker with one that has phase failure relay....so if someone nicks cables there is a chance you loose a phase the the voltage increases over the other 2 phases.

Level of protection and cost will have to be balanced on the what the cost of the equipment you protecting. if you live in a complex/estate it may be easier to get the BC involved and get surge protection throughout....more cost effective.

 

[johan]

Just a few wind-eggs:
1. As others suggested, stick to the Dehn brand
2. All surge-, transient-, and lightning protectors are only as good as the earth connection. Bad earth connection = zero protection, irrespective of quality of devices installed (google "crows cross earth" if you live in a predominant dolomite area).
3. Get a professional electrician that understands above to do installation.

 

[Hooked]

That's the pro but the con is when and how do you know the power is back on?

Good point! Perhaps just switch off all plugs and geyser at the main board. Hmmm think I'm going to do this in future.

 

[Hooked]

You fit a 220v piezzo buzzer and a 220v led light in your DB board with a switch.
When power is out you flip the switch on so when the power returns the buzzer makes a noise and there is also a visual aid to see when the mains are back.

That would work if the main board is in the house. Mine's in the garage

 

[RainstormZA]

That would work if the main board is in the house. Mine's in the garage

Ditto, i'm deaf so it won't work on me. Maybe you know those doorbells for deaf people - instead of a buzzer, a flashing light by the front door. We used to have one at our school hostel and regularly used it after hours, I used to come back to school on Sunday evenings.

 

[RainstormZA]

Good point! Perhaps just switch off all plugs and geyser at the main board. Hmmm think I'm going to do this in future.

There's a flaw in your plan. What if you are out or away. The DB protectors will help minimise the risk.