Quote:
Originally Posted by raynitsche
... would a good lightning rod system eliminate the need for a whole house surge system?
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First understand why damage happens. A surge (ie lightning) seeks earth ground. It uses wood as a conductor. Since wood is not a very good conductor, then wood is damaged.
Franklin simply connected that surge to earth. The lightning rod does not do protection. A lightning rod simply connected a surge to earth on a more conductive path. No building damage.
That was building protection. Lightning will also strike utility wires (overhead or underground) down the street. The surge uses appliances as a conductor. Since appliances are not a very good conductor, then appliances are damaged.
Protection is simply connecting that surge to earth. A 'whole house' protector simply connected a surge to earth on a more conductive (low impedance) path. No appliance damage.
In all cases, protection is about a current path used by any surge (ie lightning) to obtain earth. Either destructively through or inside a building. Or harmlessly outside.
Now, do you need both? Destructive surges occur typically once every seven years. A number that requires over a decade of neighborhood history.
Generally everyone needs a 'whole house' protector. Fewer need lightning rods. In both cases, less attention need be applied to a lightning rod or protector. Most attention belongs to the earthing system. Because a lightning rod or protector is only as effective as its earth ground and connection.
BTW, all phone lines already have a 'whole house' protector installed for free. But again, it is only as effective as something that only you are responsible for. Single point earth ground.