[PUP] FW: Lightning preparedness

[Scott E. Bulger]

Dennis contributed:  The bottom line is that the only gear that will likely
survive is not connected to either the electrical supply OR the ground
system...  Any connection will allow voltage to build up on the equipment
and then jump to something near by..

Scott thankfully asks:  I'm currently installing $30k in backup nav and
entertainment gear.  It will be installed exactly as you describe, I will
make certain each component is completely disconnected from both power and
ground.

Do you have any recommendations on good connector technology to achieve
this?  I'm visualizing a bulkhead behind a panel where the various
components source their power and antenna leads.  After gracefully shutting
down the gear I will gain access to the panel and physically remove the
power and other leads.  A connector that provides keyed, reliable connection
in a small package is desirable.

Finally, what do you think of electro optical isolators for the GPS and
other serial interfaces?  Easier to simply convert to RS232 physical
connectors and disconnect?  And finally, component or composite video?

Thanks, Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA