Isolation transformer - does it offer protection


Say I have an isolation transformer "isolating" a sub panel and then a few dedicated circuits from that sub panel to a listening room where all audio equipment is connected to these curcuits.

Does the isolation transformer help protect equipment from power surge/spikes. If so, why. If not, why not.

Thanks to all with the technical background to help with this question.
Ag insider logo xs@2xdangelod
07-20-11: Dhl93449
...But some solation transformers capacitively couple very high frequency spikes from input to output without significant attenuation. So you cannot use them by themselves without additional surge protection.
I was not aware of this, thanks for the tip.
Seek some thorough advice. http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surge_protector

My house was once hit by lightening a mere 6 feet from my on stereo. The system was plugged into a Sound Application unit. While most of the electronic on one side of my house was fried, neither the SA or my system were harmed.
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your link doesn't work.. too many http://

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surge_protector

Perhaps the SA wasn't harmed...

Many surge protectors have components that absorb the spike but by design they get fried in the process. It is possible that your unit protected your stereo but can't do it again.

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In an isolation transformer the output winding will be isolated, or floating from earth ground unless bonded at the time of installation. Secondary neutral to ground bonding virtually eliminates common mode noise, providing an isolated neutral-ground reference for sensitive equipment and an inexpensive alternative to the installation of dedicated circuits.

An isolation transformer allows an AC signal or power to be taken from one device and fed into another without electrically connecting the two circuits. Isolation transformers block transmission of DC signals from one circuit to the other, but allow AC signals to pass. They also block interference caused by ground loops. Isolation transformers with electrostatic shields are used for power supplies for sensitive equipment.