Shunt breaker vs GFI

[Speedskater]

That's a simple contactor/heavy duty relay with a hold on contact ,with a reset power switch.

That's exactly what he needs,  but getting a real world unit that is safe and meets the electrical code rules may be a problem.

 

[trobbins]

The cheaper end of CBs won't allow accessories - the refered to Square D QOB range allows accessories.  I am guessing the accessory needed is an undervoltage trip coil with a mains AC voltage rating - the UVT mechanically attachs to one side of the cb and will take up one extra cb 'width' in the distribution board.  The coil is connected to the mains voltage.  Very simple for an electrician to wire in.  Very simple for a user to operate, although best to add a label to the distribution board, as the 'switch lever' usually trips to a 'middle' position that neither looks to be on or off, and the tripped switch lever needs to be pushed to the off position before it can then be set back on.

Yes if equipment was left on, and bad weather had a high likelihood of lightening induced over-voltage damage to anything connected to mains, then the UVT may assist if it gets to isolate the mains from your equipment prior to any damaging over-voltage surge. 

There are more elaborate protection sense devices that can be used with the UVT to disconnect an AC feed.  They are usually refered to as phase failure detection controls, of which some can detect under and over voltage conditions with variable settings.  So if your mains voltage was subject to swells that go over +10% then they could help.  They typically have a single circuit breaker width, but may not be 'easy' to fit to a distribution panel.

 

[sodderboy]

I still have horse blood on my boots from the original go-around.

The breaker aspect needs the guidance/input of a quality licensed electrician.  Different boxes need differently sized breakers etc. and it IS dangerous.
Not all electricians are scoundrels, and I would hesitate buying something for one to install.  "Here, install this."  I know from experience that it will most likely cost more overall than just picking the better vibe/price from two different bids on the job. 
Mike

 

[Skiroy]

I think that what Skiroy's situation is:
A thunder storm rolls in off the ocean,  at the first momentary power outage, he wants a device to turn-off the power to his audio equipment and keep it off until he decides that the storm has passed,  then he can manually turn the equipment power back on.
That's a side function of a shunt breaker but I'm not sure that shunt breakers are available for smaller circuit breaker boxes.  This is something that is used in industrial and commercial kitchen sites.

Excatly what I want. I my paranoia comes from information I received from a head Electrical Engineer at my power company.

 

[Skiroy]

I think that what Skiroy's situation is:
A thunder storm rolls in off the ocean,  at the first momentary power outage, he wants a device to turn-off the power to his audio equipment and keep it off until he decides that the storm has passed,  then he can manually turn the equipment power back on.
That's a side function of a shunt breaker but I'm not sure that shunt breakers are available for smaller circuit breaker boxes.  This is something that is used in industrial and commercial kitchen sites.

Exactly what I want. And my "paranoia" about my plug vs switch heresay comes from a head Electrical Engineer from my power company after losing a $2200.00 keyboard I left on,on accident when my power cut on and off 3 times(according to my in law). And I had high quality surge protectors and a main surge arrestor on my house's main. None of which were tripped.

Maybe not all but some electronics do not like to be plugged in while on already. If you read the manuals of alot of equipment,especially older stuff like I have, it specifically states to plug power cables before you turn it on.

 

[CJ]

since this is a common problem in Florida, and there are probably tons of studios down there, why not call up a few places and see how they deal with it,

there should be power strips with this type of protection, if not, somebody could probably make some coin by selling one,

 

[Skiroy]

Thankx guys. Knowledge is power so I feel more comfortable getting the job done by the Electrician. I will have some understanding when discussing it with the Electrician. I have learned this is always good to make sure your getting what you need and so the wool is not pulled over your eyes.