> Ten years ago a Sola 2- or 3-kva ferro-resonant line conditioner for
> 60 Hz cost about $2000; it will run indefinitely with no maintenance,
> and protect all the computers and consumer electronics found in a home.
> I think it's very well-suited for places like Florida and Jakarta!

I think, starting at $2000, one might consider a few solar arrays and at
least power your electronics off the grid.

I have had a couple of "events" here when 14,000-volt lines got knocked
into our local grid (probably 2000-3000 volts).  Several of my $9.99 plug
strips were fried and provided no protection.  The MOVs just couldn't hold
on until the breaker tripped.

 [ MOV = Metal-Oxide-Varistor, which is the popular semiconductor device
 [ used in the plug-strips.  -- Robbie

However, the $60 computer-type devices worked.  Also, since many of these
come with $10,000 to $25,000 damage warranties, hey, it's worth a try.
I admit the small print suggests some major difficulties on the collection
end, but if you don't have $2000, it may give some cheap insurance.

Will Dahlgren

 [ I'd like to see the "incident report" from the power company for that
 [ event.  It must have caused big damage.
 [
 [ Battery-to-AC convertors for motor homes are now around $200 for a
 [ 400-watt unit; then all I need is a well-charged car battery, and I'm
 [ prepared for the wind and lightning storms.  I'm seriously thinking
 [ about this!  -- Robbie