The most common home wiring problem is where someone has a ground wire that is carrying current - You really need that 4th wire - makes a big difference in lightning strikes. You might want to take a look at: http://xtronics.com/reference/light.htm It deals with transducers, but applies equally well with MODEMS and computer equipment. The most important point is that unless all your ground connections come into the building at the same place and are bonded to a 'ground pavilion', you will have differential transients that destroy equipment. -- -------------------------------------------------- Karl Schmidt EMail Karl@xtronics.com Transtronics, Inc. WEB http://xtronics.com 3209 West 9th Street Ph(785) 841-3089 Lawrence, KS 66049 FAX(785) 841-0434 Definition of Windows XP: SPAM, thinly disguised as an operating system --------------------------------------------------