--- In [email protected], Kris Kirby <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >
> We're talking about an ionized channel of electrons that can cross > hundreds of feet vertically, and still generate smaller channels within > the radio shed that can jump a foot or more. Do you really think that a > 3PDT relay with contacts one quarter of an inch apart represents an > obstacle for this immense charge of electricity? Well, I agree with that; no a gap of .25in isn't much more. But let's not forget that it <might not> jump that .25in gap if there's been enough suppression, whether natural or man-added, in the circuit that has knocked the voltage down to more sane levels. Also, a circuit with loads on it also possibly has an assortment of MOVs, gas tubes, etc. Their job is to conduct heavily when presented with overvoltage, and this heavy conduction current can, itself, trip the breaker. A circuit with no loads and no suppression devices may well survive an overvoltage event and not end up with a tripped breaker. Laryn K8TVZ
