Lightning Strike/Power Surge
Well after 5 years full-timing it we got our first REAL lightning strike/power surge and no I did not have a surge protector on the post (and yes i was warned to have one but i just kept putting it of...
Forum Discussion
The two I saw fried down here took out the Hughes Autoformers, microwaves, televisions, and bulged the case on a laptop power supply to the point where it would not sit flat but rocked on the tabletop. Both incidents happened in the autumn in Playa Azul. That is why I could not dissect the autoformers to see what they had for suppression. They were charred gooey smelly black inside.
There is a limit to what transient voltage protectors can do. But multiples of Gas Discharge Tubes, MOVS and bi-directional transient voltage (TVS) avalanche rectifiers is about all you can do with regards to a lightning strike. Expect a close strike to completely destroy the above mentioned system. But it's sacrifice MAY save much of the electronics on board a rig.
I ordered 150 Gas Discharge Tube Devices, 150, 20MM MOVS, and 150 bi-directional TVS avalanche rectifiers and they are waiting to be picked up in Chula Vista.
One of the gents was Quebecois, and worked for Quebec hydro. He was incensed that the strike (a transformer a couple blocks away) totally destroyed his Hughes autoformer then went on and ravaged his rig. He had a Ford diesel.
We have lightning down here that can give Florida a heck of a run for it's money. One bolt hit an ancient parota tree and cleaved it, twelve feet in diameter right down the center.
I do not know what the surge protector folks use for protection but without multiple high current devices they would be worthless. They should be placed in circuit as far (before) the rig as possible, with a ten gauge wire to the receptacle earth ground. Or to a ground stake :)
There is a limit to what transient voltage protectors can do. But multiples of Gas Discharge Tubes, MOVS and bi-directional transient voltage (TVS) avalanche rectifiers is about all you can do with regards to a lightning strike. Expect a close strike to completely destroy the above mentioned system. But it's sacrifice MAY save much of the electronics on board a rig.
I ordered 150 Gas Discharge Tube Devices, 150, 20MM MOVS, and 150 bi-directional TVS avalanche rectifiers and they are waiting to be picked up in Chula Vista.
One of the gents was Quebecois, and worked for Quebec hydro. He was incensed that the strike (a transformer a couple blocks away) totally destroyed his Hughes autoformer then went on and ravaged his rig. He had a Ford diesel.
We have lightning down here that can give Florida a heck of a run for it's money. One bolt hit an ancient parota tree and cleaved it, twelve feet in diameter right down the center.
I do not know what the surge protector folks use for protection but without multiple high current devices they would be worthless. They should be placed in circuit as far (before) the rig as possible, with a ten gauge wire to the receptacle earth ground. Or to a ground stake :)
