\_ I put in a "whole house surge protector" in the entrance panel.  They
\_ are supposed to have a much higher rating in joules than the plug in
\_ type and be able to survive multiple surges if within the rating.  They
\_ are also supposed to be more effective being closer to the real ground. 
\_ They run in the $25-$30 range at HD.

I'm assuming this isn't effective against house-strikes, only
neighbor's-house-strikes and what not where it would come in through
the panel, right?

David