DU Lou wrote:I believe what we are looking for is in this pdf...
http://www.raycapsurgeprotection.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/G02-00-002-All-Mode-V-Series_A-Final.pdf
View its spec numbers. As noted earlier, these effective type protectors should be at least 50,000 amps. That model well exceeds minimum. As its current number increases, protector life expectancy increases exponentially.
I believe hamw said this type protector is even used by Verizon. Of course. This type protector is used everywhere that protection is required.
The protector is not doing protection. The word 'protector' defines a device that connects to protection. How effective is the protector? Defined by the quality of earth ground. View the AM2xxx series pictures. That green wire must make the as short as possible (ie 'less than 10 foot') connection to your single point earth ground. Then the Raycap device can connect surge current (ie 100ka) to where hundreds of thousands of joules harmlessly dissipate.
Two key features are its current rating and its connection to earth. Current defines its life expectancy over many surges. Earthing defines it performance during each surge.
Other solutions are provided by a long list of responsible companies including General Electric, Square D, Siemens, ABB, Leviton, and Intermatic.
For some reason, the Leviton device was a preferred solution among discussion groups involving home automation. I don't know why. Most any 'whole house' type protector should mean minimal if any attenuation.
Another solution from Easton (Cutler-Hammer) sells in Lowes and Home Depot for less than $50. It does not have the higher current ratings of the Raycap; is only 50,000 amps. Sufficient.
Pay strict attention to earth ground. Verizon installs extensive earthing in their cell towers. Because that protector is only as effective as its earth ground. If your earth ground connects to a cold water pipe on the other side of the basement, then you have virtually no earthing. That earthing may be sufficient for human safety. But that same earthing is virtually non-existent for transistor safety. The 6 AWG solid copper wire would be too long.