Gary,
My house was built in 1954, 59 years ago. At the old panel (the only one until I added a new one and new underground wires from the pole), there is already a protector, a "Stedi Volt" from General Energy Controls, Inc. in Chambersburg, Pa. It has a red indicator light on it (I have never seen it lit). Outside at the 3-phase AC unit is another protector of the same kind, but with 2 lights. (Why not 3? Maybe there was no unit available to accommodate the high leg?) The plastic lenses of the lights have deteriorated severely; the label is unreadable and the box is rusted. This all suggests to me that the protectors are as old as the house, and I have to assume that the MOV's are used up and useless by now. That has contributed to my interest in installing a new protector. I wonder though if I should make an effort to remove those old ones. BTW the old protector by the A/C was never close to the old panel, but I seem to remember that the A/C was not fed through the panel at all. Now it is fed through the new panel which is located several feet from the A/C. Thus the old protector for the A/C is not very close to the new panel, so even if the old protector were to be functional, I believe its location does not comply with current installation guidelines. I am still interested in whether I can find a reasonably priced unit, but based on your comment I also want to ask my insurance agent what is covered and pricing for added coverage if applicable. 73, Erik K7TV Gary wrote: I've been using them for some 40 years. A tidbit of info for you. General Electric units used to cost $30 each. I was charged over $120 for the last one I bought. When I questioned it, I was told that the prices shot up when the marketing department got hold of the product. That was many years ago. I paid no attention to the warranty. I don't expect them to do a thing about it if there is any damage. I just bought the best protection I could afford at the time. I wouldn't pay today's prices you quote. Insurance is cheaper. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
