surge protector for window a/c?

[87GN]

Seems a blackout/surge took out the control panel of the window a/c unit. New board is $550+ for a $700 unit. Bought a new a/c. What, if any surge protector should I get or would a upc be a better choice? Thanks.
Mark

 

[jlv03]

Do you have a surge protector in/on/near your main panel? If not, you may want to start there.

 

[nh_yota]

Interesting...I have owned at least 15 window air conditioners over the past 20 years, never used a surge protector on any of them and none were ever damaged by power surges...

 

[PoorUB]

You can buy a surge protector to install in most popular breaker panels. It will give you surge protection for the whole panel, not just one circuit. It takes two breaker spots, no idea of the price.

I looked, less than $100.
Homeline 50 kA Plug-On Neutral Whole House Surge Protective Device

 

[PoorUB]

Interesting...I have owned at least 15 window air conditioners over the past 20 years, never used a surge protector on any of them and none were ever damaged by power surges...

How many had electronic controls?

Until a few years ago most had a simple mechanical thermostat.

 

[jonesg]

I installed a window unit in the wall of my single garage today, noticed the plug has a slow burn breaker with reset.
is that the same thing as surge protection, anything electric is black magic to me.

 

[nh_yota]

How many had electronic controls?

Until a few years ago most had a simple mechanical thermostat.

All but two of them.

 

[Terry D]

I installed a window unit in the wall of my single garage today, noticed the plug has a slow burn breaker with reset.
is that the same thing as surge protection, anything electric is black magic to me.

That is a LCDI, a leak current detection interrupter, They sense damage to the cord, which could arc and cause fires. They work like a AFCI, arc fault circuit interrupter. It is not a breaker, surge protector or a GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupter. A GFCI is a people protector