Ground wire length is larger than the natural wire length causing problems?

Question

Our house ground wire is very long but our live and natural wires are very short. Once there was a surge in our telephone line system and both my Belkin Surge Protectors seemed to have not stopped it. The surge was stopped at my last protector when its sensitive fuse blew (it was a 10 ohm resistor fuse). 

Is it possible that since the natural wire is shorter than the ground wire the surge wantted to go through my PC and into the natural wire? Or is it just because the 10 ohm resistor fuse was a bit too sensitive or something? (Well it didn't blow up when there was no lightning outside)

I'm thinking of making my natural wire longer by extending it so a surge finds the ground wire more attractive, is this advice able?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Your ground wire should go to your breaker box, then to a ground rod or some other good ground point with a large #6 solid wire.  I don't understand why your ground wire should be substantially longer than your neutral or hot wires.  Making your neutral wire longer would probably have little effect.  You could also have a poor connection in your ground wiring.  Maybe some corrosion has accumulated somewhere.  A surge protector can't operate correctly without a good ground.  It sounds like you should have an electrician check your electrical system.  This could save you money in the long run.

&quot;B1&#39;&#39; · Answer

Check and make sure its grounded properly,if your in a high surge area look into a surge meter from your electricity company.Peace of mind,no need for buying surge protectors and wishing they work.Any lose will be insured by electric company.

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Ground wire length is larger than the natural wire length causing problems?

2 Answers