Just bought a replacement whole house surge protector – the kind that attaches thru a knockout. The instructions say to wire it to a 240v 15amp breaker that is not used. Do I really need to do that? Past ones I have had I connected to used 120v breakers, making sure they were on each leg. I don’t understand why they want me to use one not connected to anything else.
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I don't understand why they want me to use one not connected to anything else.<<
Me neither, but like the commercial says - just do it.
If you want the surge protector to work as designed, I would suggest you follow the manufacturer's (AKA "designer") specifications - especially if you ever hope to collect on any protection warranties provided by the manufacturer.
"Well, I ignored your installation instructions, but I still think you should honor your warranty - after all, I bought your product and it did not work as advertised!"
Probably won't get much help using this story. I'd have to side with the manufacturer on this one.
Perhaps someone will be along to explain the electrical theory and mechanics, I don't know the answer.
Jim
It is to protect the surge arrestor! Oxymoron, don't you think?
My own arrestor is connected directly to the main lugs ahead of any breaker. As close to zero lead length as possible, ground tied right the frame of the panel right at the knockout - and (edit addition) the 2/0 ground conductor is bolted to the panel at the same point, which in turn is tied to welded rebar in the footings.
The advantages are the best protection.
Now what are the disadvantages of doing the way I do - well, for a big direct lightning strike, the arrestor, depending on the exact type, will literally 'blow up', the input wires will vaporize, and probably destroy part of the breaker panel (which would happen anyway for a direct strike) and your worthless warranty will be void. Post your model number and I'll tell you why the warranty is worthless.
BTW, may be the only one here who has actually tested arrestors with 300,000 amp currents lasting as long as 50 consecutive thunderstorm lightning strikes (nuclear lightning)
Edited 6/10/2009 9:32 am ET by junkhound
Is that lightning that only comes from mushroom clouds?
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.