[DrHitch]

Originally Posted by jrref

...Your protector may be just fine if the two red lights are still on.

...more frequently happens when lightning strikes near your home....your home may get hit by an "induced“ surge which frequently trips circuit breakers, especially freezers and door openers in your garage but depending on the intensity can damage your HVAC system, inside and out, all your appliances, electronic equipment, pool and spa equipment, etc..

...Surge protection is a layered system (mounted on the electrical meter, a whole house surge protector; e.g. Eaton Ultra, and final protection are the surge protection power strips,

...At the end of the day, you need to look at what it will cost to install a surge protection system, at a minimum installing something like the Eaton surge protector in your circuit breaker panel and point of use surge protectors at your TV, computer and other sensitive devices, vs your tolerance for risk.

*** EXCELLENT thorough reply. Totally agree and understand the need for multiple layers of protection. My O.P was simply questioning the cost of the meter base protection versus the in-panel protection. I'll be doing all three layers!