Main Elect Panel/Grounding/Surge Problems
About 14 months ago, the high voltage transformer on the utility pole shorted out during a rainstorm. Branches had also fallen over the wires. 12 seconds later, the current was restored but the resulting surge caused several appliances to burn out. (all hard wired smoke detectors had circuit boards fried, compressor on dehumidifier was knocked out, fan motor on furnace fried, dvd recorder & microwave also killed.
Installed a whole house surge protector to prevent future occurrence.
However, 2 days ago a similar outdoor transformer exploded, lost electricity and resulting surge not only killed whole house surge protector but killed electronics in digital coffe pot, burned out a low voltage halogen ligting system transformer and caused the circulator motor to begin (DRY) on indoor jacuzzi. Smell of burned bakelite by tub.
My thoughts:
A new whole house surge protector will also be ineffective because problem may be improper grounding of main elec panel. Have lived in house more than 25 years and only experienced this problem since total upgrade in electrical service from 100amp to 200amp a few years back. Main panel has green ground on wire on L2 nI eutral bar and passes through foundation opening and connects to a buried groun4 d pole. Could ground pole be
Too short or somehow ineffective? Connections seem fine. Pole top is just below grade. Could installer have cheated by installing too short of a rod? Since I have no idea of current rod length, I intend to install a new copper 9 foot rod within 12 in of existing rod of unknown length and link both with 12 or 14ga wire.
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.