[pikeselectric]

Hi Talk of the Villages members. Happy Monday!
Starting off the week bringing to you an update from Pike's Electric. We have received many calls inquiring about surge protection we offer and the differences between SECO Energy's MitiGator and our unit we offer, the Eaton Ultra. I figured I would make a post for you to read up on which will aide you in the decision for what protection is right for you and your home!
1. I have the SECO Energy surge protector, Do I need the Eaton Ultra as well? The MitiGator surge protector from SECO Energy is installed at your meter of your home, considered a Type 1 device. The Eaton Ultra CHSTP2ULTRA is a Type 2 device, which is installed on the panel side of your home close to the main breaker. This unit acts as a blanket over your home's major appliances and electronics. SECO will encourage you to have a Type 2 device, such as the Eaton Ultra installed alongside their MitiGator (due to the limitations in coverage). So in short, yes, you should have both, or at minimum a Type 2 surge protector for certain.
2. Not all surge protectors carry the same coverage, so be sure to read the fine print. . Take a look into the warranty closely. There are limitations to surge protectors, Type 1 and 2. Some units even have a limitation of coverage from 1, 3, to 5 years. The Eaton Ultra is a LIMITED LIFETIME warranty. Which means, for the lifetime the device is active you are protected, and once it takes a hit, you can file a claim for a replacement device. It also carries $75,000 in coverage on connected equipment, which includes but is not limited to: washer, dryer, range, dishwasher, fridge, A/C, pool equipment (if wired to main panel), TVs, computers, etc. The SECO Energy MitiGator is a 15 year warranty with NO coverage for electronics including TVs, computers, etc.
3. Do I need separate protectors on my A/C equipment or pool equipment? If you have the Eaton Ultra installed, the coverage includes your A/C equipment/pool equipment, however, it doesn't hurt to have multiple protectors. At Pike's Electric, we offer DITEK single surge suppression devices which we sell/install for $20.00 each. These can be another form of protection locally to appliances you may keep plugged in if you are away for months at a time or on a trip. Our customers love this for their kitchen fridge, primarily, As you keep it plugged in while away, and probably keep some storage in it.
4. How long does it take to install? We can schedule an install appointment within 1-2 weeks and it takes about an hour for installation. There are some requirements, including space available in your service panel for the unit, so be sure to call or email me to qualify for the install. If your panel is at full capacity, we may have to create space for the unit, or provide you a quote.
5. Will the Eaton Ultra protect my home from lightning? . Loaded question, but the answer is no, the unit will NOT protect you from a direct lightning strike. We highly encourage you to research into lightning rods/protection systems of the like. The Eaton Ultra is a surge protection device. Thus protecting your home's sensitive appliances and electronics from surges. Surges can occur from nearby lightning strikes, power company issues or sudden outages, malfunctioning equipment causing a surge, etc.

Please feel free to comment on the thread or reach out to me privately if you have further questions via call or email! Surge protection is one of my favorite topics. I am happy to help!
- Casandra
Office: 352-748-6251
Direct Email: cnelson@pikeselectric.com