Hi Don
   I concur about the validity of providing a good ground at the very least
as a hack to sensitive areas of the house ie high current and high cost
replacement, not to mention fire hazard locations.  I had a shop for
several years that had hoprrendous modem service.  The phone system was so
bad that even my USR V90 Courier would rarely connect above 22k.  I even
installed a 4 foot copper ground spike and used 4 conductor shielded
microphone cable to deliver phone service and setup a switch so that all
other devices could be disconnected while using the modem.  I got Caller ID
service because I'd read they had to upgrade switches and cabling often to
accommodate said service.  I got the phone company to investigate
(complaining about voice service even though it was only marginally marred
by static since they shrug off modem complaints) and they ended up 
replacing and adding some 600 feet of cable because too many houses were
connected to the same line.  Unfortunately for me it did lit

tle to improve internet service because it turned out some manifolding
device that Ma Bell often employs to stretch old service to more customers
apparently limits digital as if it were clamped.  That's when I switched to
cable and why I think I may still have the Courier lying around packed in a
box somewhere in the shop yet.

  Still, despite my problems of ignorance refarding the overriding factor
in my phone service, the hacks were valid and in good electrical standing. 
Remember garbage in garbage out and in the case of house voltage when you
add the safety factor to your family it makes a potent argument.  It may
even be worthwhile to discover if some agency might be involved and willing
to lend a little pressure/help to get your service upgraded at least to
critical locations.  If you have the know how and if government allows home
DIY on electric where you are (they must, it will likely be a matter of
degree allowed) it is not all that expensive and difficult nor even all
that time consuming to upgrade electric yourself.  Romex and plastic
outlets are simple and cheap.

Best Wishes
Jimmy


> 
>  Ed Durrant  responded:
> >Here in Australia, there are several makes of reasonably priced power 
> >boards that have phone line spike limiters in them.
> 
> The problem is that I am in a house that was constructed over 60 years 
> ago.  That means that most of the power outlets are not grounded, and a 
> ground is required for the phone line protection.  I found this out after 
> doing a net search.  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 


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