Forget about surge protectors if lightening strikes between the pole line transformer and the wiring to your house! David Blair (Custom Power Cord) told me of a revealing experience. He had a piece of gear plugged into the power outlet, but the internal fuses were removed. The next morning, after a violent electrical storm, he found that lightening had hit something nearby. The piece of gear WAS FRIED; the lightening surge had jumped the gap between the two sides of the EMPTY fuse holders. If there is lightening activity in your area, UNPLUG YOUR EQUIPMENT. I will unplug my gear when the strikes approach one mile away (5 second delay between the flash and thunder).
Electrical Question
I normally disconnect my power cords from the wall on my amps when not home or not using. I now have a amp where access to the outlet is not easily accessable. I assume the local amp on/off switch will protect from power surges etc., but what about lightning strikes ? . Will the on/off switch protect the amp ? . Can lightning "jump" the switch and cause damage ? ...... I do not like to use power conditioners/surge protectors with my amps....