ZZSPIRAL1 wrote:
Hey Denny: The house was built in 2001. It's a GFI receptacle, located in the garage. Are you saying I shouldn't need a surge protector?
GFIs protect against ground faults - ie current leaks to ground like your rig frame. A "surge protector" protects against surges.
"Surge protector" is a commonly used to refer to a variety of protection devices. A true surge protector protects only against electrical transients - ie very short term voltage spikes.
A power protector also protects against miswired power plugs and high/low voltage. The PI EMS HW30C would be a good addition which requires installation. Or even the portable equivalent.
There are many posts on these boards pro/con about needing these devices. In 2004 with a more electronic intensive rig I installed a PI EMS HW50C. It's protected me with 2 miswired CG plugs and numerous cases of low voltage at 30A CGs. And in one case 160V which would have let the smoke out of the electronics.
Needless to say power protectors cost more. :B
Bob
