Okay, westom, I am not looking at to getting into some type of "educational contest" with you. Glad to hear you have that much education. KUDOS to you.
IF you will read back in my postings, I have not NOR ever will say that any surge protector will guard against a lightening strike. BUT I will say that surge protectors DO protect against the intermittent power flex's that do happen on pretty much on a constant basis.
I have NEVER told someone that a surge protector will protect against a lightening strike. In fact, I am smart enough to know that very VERY little will give protection to lightening strike DUE to the factor you are not assured WHERE the strike is going to travel!
If you will read my post I recommended the APC or TRIPPLITE protectors BECAUSE OF THEIR INSURANCE COVERAGE!
Also, the original poster was ASKING for some kind of recommendation and what to look for and I tried to give a good answer. The poster was not asking about guarding against lightening strike or asking for a course in ELECTRICITY 101.
What I do not appreciate from you is trying make me out to be an idiot when it is you that is NOT being understood. As said before your education is admirable, but you seem to have lost the art of being able to "connect" with "common folk" Also, the world of electronics being such a detail oriented profession, you refer to me as "HE", but if you look at my avatar you SHOULD be able to see I am female.
To break this down completely:
SURGE PROTECTORS DO NOT PROTECT YOU AGAINST A LIGHTENING STRIKE! Surge protectors will protect you against surges that happen more often than you know.
As one other person observed, westom does say that unplugging does not protect you, I say unplugging does protect you but do make sure the prongs of the plug are facing AWAY from the power source. Yes, I do mean that. Do I think EVERYTHING needs to be unplugged. Nupe! A lamp can be rewired for about $5, clocks can be replace for about the same amount of cash, and most of your appliances will be covered with your insurance. The actual cost of your sewing machine may not be covered under your insurance. For that, you really need to talk with your insurance carrier.
Now, if someone does not understand me, please ask me.