Isolation transformer

[Anonymous]

As with most MRR clubs, we're updating and improving our systems. One of the things being considered is an isolation transformer between the 120VAC line and the main hookup for the MRR. We are located in an area where lightning strikes are not common, but are possible. Since lightning charges can travel through the earth as well as the atmosphere, it seems like a good idea to get the MRR isolated as much as possible from any outside spurious strikes. Would appreciate any thoughts on the matter.

[Anonymous]

I always seem to live in places that get hit by lightening. I've lost a tv, 2 vcrs, an answering machine, a computer power supply, a hard drive and several modems. Since I earn my living working at home with these keyboards, I've found the single best solution for lightning protection. When the thunder starts, I yank the power cord supplying the computers, monitors & peripherals. Also the phone line and cable that feed the modems. Haven't lost a single computer item since I started doing this.

I place little faith in an electrical solution to lightening protection. Make sure your building is properly grounded as well as the phone, power & cable lines coming in. And yank the plug when thunder rolls. It's free and it works every time.

Wayne

Edited for spelling.

[cacole]

An isolation transformer is not going to provide any protection against lightning strikes. The purpose of an isolation transformer is to filter out line noise, or to protect service technicians from electrical shock when working on electronic devices by eliminating a connection to electrical ground. A wholel-house surge suppressor would be a better choice if the club can afford such a device. Most of these must be purchased through your electrical utility, since they must install it.

A simpler solution is to unplug everything from the power lines when it is not in use. And don't forget to unplug the telephone line if the club has a computer with a modem.

[nfmisso]

I would like to re-iterate Wayne's suggestion: make sure that the building is properly grounded.

As much as practical, turn it into a Faraday box.

[jjbmish]

I would recommend a 3 tiered TVSS system. First a TVSS on the Main Distribution Panel, then a separate TVSS on the Panel feeding the Layout. And the final TVSS at the plugs that the layout is powered from. This will protect the layout from almost any surges that may occur, not only lightning. However, there is no 100% way to protect the layout from lightning. But this system will give you the most protection short of unplugging the layout.

John

[warner brook]

yo cacole
thanks for the reminder to unplug the telephone line,i unplug everything else and don`t think to unplug the phone line i guess i was just lucky. roy

[Anonymous]

The simplest solution AND the most effective really is to unplug everything when it's not in use.