Question on surge protectors

[maryanna630]

Hello all and here comes another question. Since we are new to Florida, this is confusing to us. We called Seco today to get the electric set up in our new home in Lake Deaton. The surge protection is 6 dollars a month to rent plus 25 dollars install fee or 325 dollars to buy with a 15 year warranty. Lenhart has three different levels: 125 with no warranty, 225 with a limited warranty and 325 for a home with large appliances. Does anyone know how to sort the chaff from the wheat here? We are overwhelmed with so many decisions and would truly appreciate any help. All I know is we are bleeding money!

[theorem painter]

My understanding is if you rent the surge protector from SECO and it blows they will replace it for free. If you buy it from them and it blows you have to buy a new one. We pay the rental fee. Plus when you install the whole house protector
they give you a box of individual protectors for the TVs, computers, etc.

[Chatbrat]

Duh, I installed my own from Home Depot-itcost me less than $75.00 & GE insures losses to $50K

[Madelaine Amee]

My understanding is if you rent the surge protector from SECO and it blows they will replace it for free. If you buy it from them and it blows you have to buy a new one. We pay the rental fee. Plus when you install the whole house protector
they give you a box of individual protectors for the TVs, computers, etc.

We did this too. We had a very close lightening strike to one side of our house and it caused what we were told was a "rolling black out" throughout the house. One room shut down, followed by another and another, even blew out the irrigation etc. SECO was here IMMEDIATELY, fixed everything, got us up and running and then suggested the surge protectors. They appear to work great. The rental fee appears on your SECO bill so it becomes almost painless.

[2BNTV]

I purchased mine through SECO, and after 5 years, I will break even in the cost.

Some prefer to pay the $6/month.

Their unit comes with an outlet measuring device in addition to several surge protectors for one's home.

I feel better when I know it's done right. Some people are handy and can save money.

Some things in life aren't worth, skimping on. IMHO

BTW - Another thing about moving to TV, is to keep your checkbook, handy. I feel your pain and I have been here, for awhile. :smiley:

[MikeV]

Even though I am very capable and can install my own I rented it from SECO. Why, because I am retired and living the retired lifestyle. :D :D

[villagetinker]

Hello all and here comes another question. Since we are new to Florida, this is confusing to us. We called Seco today to get the electric set up in our new home in Lake Deaton. The surge protection is 6 dollars a month to rent plus 25 dollars install fee or 325 dollars to buy with a 15 year warranty. Lenhart has three different levels: 125 with no warranty, 225 with a limited warranty and 325 for a home with large appliances. Does anyone know how to sort the chaff from the wheat here? We are overwhelmed with so many decisions and would truly appreciate any help. All I know is we are bleeding money!

I would and have gone with the SECO rental, limited impact on your wallet. Next please ignore all of the welcome wagon people and water conditioner/filter people, tree sales people, and in general anyone that comes to your door selling anything that you did not invite. Get into your house, sit back take a deep breath (welcome to the great life), then and only then, start asking questions about water, filters, landscaping, etc, etc, etc. There are lots of people that will be glad to help.

[Madelaine Amee]

I would and have gone with the SECO rental, limited impact on your wallet. Next please ignore all of the welcome wagon people and water conditioner/filter people, tree sales people, and in general anyone that comes to your door selling anything that you did not invite. Get into your house, sit back take a deep breath (welcome to the great life), then and only then, start asking questions about water, filters, landscaping, etc, etc, etc. There are lots of people that will be glad to help.

Excellent advice ...........:smiley:

[Shimpy]

I rent SECO and put individual surge protectors on different electronic items as required. After a lightning strike last year that blew out my sprinkler control I contacted them and they sent out an employee that took my individual surge protector and had it sent to the manufacture for analysis. Results came back that the surge didn't come thru the surge protector but they figured it came thru the water supply line. So.....I'm responsible for the bill of a new controller. I was told many refrigerators are hit and they often say it came thru the water line supplying the ice maker so they aren't responsible.

[HiHoSteveO]

Hello all and here comes another question. Since we are new to Florida, this is confusing to us. We called Seco today to get the electric set up in our new home in Lake Deaton. The surge protection is 6 dollars a month to rent plus 25 dollars install fee or 325 dollars to buy with a 15 year warranty. Lenhart has three different levels: 125 with no warranty, 225 with a limited warranty and 325 for a home with large appliances. Does anyone know how to sort the chaff from the wheat here? We are overwhelmed with so many decisions and would truly appreciate any help. All I know is we are bleeding money!

I like VillageTinkers sensible advice.
We waited a year and a half before installing a surge suppressor and went with the $275. (most expensive) one from Lenhart that mounts at the electrical panel in the garage.
Surge Protection – Lenhart Electric Company (http://lenhartelectric.com/surge-protection/)

Decided against renting or buying the outdoor meter mounted one from SECO. I liked the equipment Lenhart installed, but thought the installer worked too fast and was careless. I don't think I'll use them again.

Take a breath and worry about some other things first. Like which square are you going to tonight.

[mtdjed]

I have had several items destroyed by surges at different times. Garage door opener, AC Control board, Computer Modem, and Laptop connected to modem, Reclining Chair Control. I also have a whole house surge protector (Not SECO).

I also had an AC circuit breaker installed by SunCool. Between my warranty for the AC and the surge protector, I did get recompensed for the AC Control Board.

No recompense received for other items. Had the whole house surge protector sent back for analysis and claim was it was not damaged even though items were. They did send me a new surge protector (Upgraded Model).

Important to know that surges can come through phone lines. That is how my modem and computer got zapped.

Surges can also come through cable lines, water lines and who knows what else.

Why do we see more damage now than years ago? Because of microcircuits in just about every thing. Things used to be working on volts and Amps. Today it is Millivolts and Milliamps.

Bottom line is get protection but it does not guarantee replacement for failures. Read the guarantees closely and you might see something like guarantees against power surges caused by power company but not acts of God.

My recommendation would be to get a whole house surge protector and to check with your local hardware store and buy individual surge protectors (Such as SECO provides) for all of your micro circuit devices.

Refridgerator, range, Microwave, washer, dryer, garage door opener, lawn irrigation control, TVs, Computers, printers , modems, routers. Even a thing like a power operated recliner. Some of these devices have multiple protection for power and phone line or cable.

Welcome to Florida You will love it.

[NavyNJ]

Duh, I installed my own from Home Depot-itcost me less than $75.00 & GE insures losses to $50K

Was this for a Service Entry Protection Device? Or something you used at the appliance level to protect a specific piece or pieces of equipment (like a multi-outlet surge protector strip)? I've never seen a Service Entry Device at that price point, by GE or anyone else. If it, indeed, was a Service Entry product, would appreciate the complete spec because that's a great price!

[Lightning]

Hello all and here comes another question. Since we are new to Florida, this is confusing to us. We called Seco today to get the electric set up in our new home in Lake Deaton. The surge protection is 6 dollars a month to rent plus 25 dollars install fee or 325 dollars to buy with a 15 year warranty. Lenhart has three different levels: 125 with no warranty, 225 with a limited warranty and 325 for a home with large appliances. Does anyone know how to sort the chaff from the wheat here? We are overwhelmed with so many decisions and would truly appreciate any help. All I know is we are bleeding money!

We do not like the term "WHOLE HOUSE" surge protection because it gives the impression that a SECO or Duke surge protector on your electric meter or on your electric panel by an electrician is all you need. This is not correct! Surges can enter your home not only through your electric service but also via telephone and cable/satellite systems. If the lightning strike is near and strong enough it can even be induced into the wiring of your home. Therefore, you need Secondary Surge Protection sometimes called point-of-use (plug ins, power strips) for all of your costly appliances and electronic equipment. Today's electronics have computer chips that are very sensitive to even a relatively minor surge.

These devices can be purchased at hardware, electronic stores, and big box stores. SECO offers them at their Sumterville office or you can purchase them on their web site.


Keep in mind that surge protection is only for INDIRECT lightning strikes. If your concern is a DIRECT lightning strike to your home then you need to consider a lightning protection system commonly called lightning rods by a qualified installer.

[Sandtrap328]

I have the rented SECO surge protector and they provided several individual plug in protectors for the tv and computers. $5 per month is fine with me. I also have lightning rods so I do feel pretty safe in a storm.

I also have a 2 iron for added protection against lightning. Golfers understand that humor.

[Chatbrat]

The surge protector I installed is an whole house surge protector
1) it plugs into the panel--must have two empty spaces
2) the white wire goes to the neutral bar
3) replace panel cover

[GOJODO]

there are a number of other alternatives, as just about any qualified electrician could install these. For example I am having Pike Electric install one at $300. This may be higher than some other electricians but my understanding of their reputation is that they are probably the best around. Good Luck

[keithwand]

I have the SECO whole home surge protection that I rent. T&D says lightning or surge has fried my pool pump motherboard 3 times in a year.
Sounds fishy.
Would it wise or foolish to add surge protectors to both junction boxes in the garage?

[Chellybean]

We do not like the term "WHOLE HOUSE" surge protection because it gives the impression that a SECO or Duke surge protector on your electric meter or on your electric panel by an electrician is all you need. This is not correct! Surges can enter your home not only through your electric service but also via telephone and cable/satellite systems. If the lightning strike is near and strong enough it can even be induced into the wiring of your home. Therefore, you need Secondary Surge Protection sometimes called point-of-use (plug ins, power strips) for all of your costly appliances and electronic equipment. Today's electronics have computer chips that are very sensitive to even a relatively minor surge.

These devices can be purchased at hardware, electronic stores, and big box stores. SECO offers them at their Sumterville office or you can purchase them on their web site.


Keep in mind that surge protection is only for INDIRECT lightning strikes. If your concern is a DIRECT lightning strike to your home then you need to consider a lightning protection system commonly called lightning rods by a qualified installer.

ok my two cents.
just to give you my qualification i have a background in electrical engineering and a master electrical licenses.
The facts;
Lighting is unpredictable no matter what you are being told and putting lighting rods on your home to send the lighting strike to the ground is a joke, the chances of it being effective is like winning the lottery.
I don't want to attract lighting to my home and there is no scientific facts supporting the lighting rods minimize lighting strikes.
A little food for thought, a million dollar home got hit last year off pennalias and it did not have lighting protection rods, however the house next door and across the street did, HMMMMMMMM !!!
the best money spent is apc battery back up with surge protection which they all have, (Sams, internet where ever the cheaper price is).
The battery backup puts a buffer between the equipment and power, (cable and phone depending on what you buy) also surge individual units work well as well.
They all have one key component and that is MOV ( Metal Oxide Varistor) which is what suppresses the strike.
MOV come in all types and speed and robustly built ratings. The more you spend the better they are built.
The basic ones will give you reasonable protection.
Folks now that your head is spinning with all the tech. stuff people are telling you, it boils down to this!!!!!!!!!
The balance of what you spend is your piece of mind, it all depends on what you are trying to protect, for example 10 millions dollars of cell tower equipment requires a million dollars of protection to be effective for a rule of thumb.
But here is the caveat, if you have a direct hit nothing will protect you only minimize the damage, Lighting strikes at milliseconds and millions of if not billions of volts.
A direct lighting strike could be couple hundred feet away depending on the intensity of the strike.
Depending on what you are trying to protect is what you are spending on your protection, check you home owners insurance for what you are covered for and make a reasonable assessment.
I have a two pole breaker with surge suppression at my panel (cost around 50.00) also on each one of my computers,routers, refrigerator and TV i have an APC battery back up.
my investment was around 300.00 and i got piece of mind. You can do it for less if you use basic surge surpression plug in's
Some leave it to the power company's or electrical company's and then find out the 50k of insurance doesn't cover squat and the company is never going to admit that there system didn't work, you could never prove otherwise.
MY TWO CENTS

[VillagerFrog58]

I've attached the specs for the Meter mounted surge suppressor from Seco and one from Eaton that plugs into 2 empty locations on your fuse panel. Seco gets their meter mounted versions from M-Ti and uses the 575 series. You can go to their website and see the products. The 575 specs and warranty are attached below. Anyhow, the Meter mounted version has larger MOV's (Metal Oxide Varistors) that can absorb more energy. It can absorb 10,000 amps of surge and still operate. It will absorb as high as 120,000 amps or 60,000 amps of max surge before it would stop working. It has a 15 year replacement warranty along an appliance warranty as noted. "The warranty covers consequential damages to standard residential equipment, as defined herein, as a result of a transient voltage or surge voltage as defined by IEEE C62 Standards. Standard residential equipment is defined as ‘white appliances’ such as HVAC, clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, electric ranges and other major home appliances."

Now the panel mounted surge suppressors are ok. In fact, that is what I have on my house up north. Since there is so much more lightening here than up north, I opted to go with the meter mounted one. The Seco version is a type 1 (which is better than) than panel mounted versions which are typically type 2. Panel mounted ones can be obtained for less than $80 and you can install them yourself if capable. And of course, always use additional plug in surge suppressors for your irrigation system controller, garage door opener, refrigerator, microwave, tv, etc.. Seco gives you a box of suppressors if you buy it from them.

Best wishes on whatever path you take. BUT most of all, do get something installed.

[photo1902]

The surge protection SECO offers is installed at the meter (directly behind it). It can only be installed by SECO, and is not sold to private parties, or electric contractors. The surge protection offered by electrical contractors is installed (basic term) inside the circuit panel in your garage. Although these can be installed by homeowners, unless you are completely confident in working around high voltage/amps, you should leave it to a professional. You will hear many opinions on which unit is better. We went with the SECO unit, as it protects everything downstream, and chose to purchase it outright. Hope this helps.

[Chatbrat]

$72.00/yr for a surge protector is a ripoff. A combat buddy of mine got into finical trouble & we bought him & his wife a patio villa in Buttonwood/furnished-I installed the plugin whole house protector--when he spoke to SECO, the SECO rep said it gave the same protection.

They sold the house and have moved back north.

[tomwed]

When I bought my new house 2 years ago my builder said that all the other add ons were discretionary. He said buy the SECO protection. Since everything else looked great oin and around the house, and he didn't BS me on anything else, I trusted his judgement.

With so many decisions to make, for me it was easier and not that expensive to buy it.

[Chellybean]

I've attached the specs for the Meter mounted surge suppressor from Seco and one from Eaton that plugs into 2 empty locations on your fuse panel. Seco gets their meter mounted versions from M-Ti and uses the 575 series. You can go to their website and see the products. The 575 specs and warranty are attached below. Anyhow, the Meter mounted version has larger MOV's (Metal Oxide Varistors) that can absorb more energy. It can absorb 10,000 amps of surge and still operate. It will absorb as high as 120,000 amps or 60,000 amps of max surge before it would stop working. It has a 15 year replacement warranty along an appliance warranty as noted. "The warranty covers consequential damages to standard residential equipment, as defined herein, as a result of a transient voltage or surge voltage as defined by IEEE C62 Standards. Standard residential equipment is defined as ‘white appliances’ such as HVAC, clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, electric ranges and other major home appliances."

Now the panel mounted surge suppressors are ok. In fact, that is what I have on my house up north. Since there is so much more lightening here than up north, I opted to go with the meter mounted one. The Seco version is a type 1 (which is better than) than panel mounted versions which are typically type 2. Panel mounted ones can be obtained for less than $80 and you can install them yourself if capable. And of course, always use additional plug in surge suppressors for your irrigation system controller, garage door opener, refrigerator, microwave, tv, etc.. Seco gives you a box of suppressors if you buy it from them.

Best wishes on whatever path you take. BUT most of all, do get something installed.

Good info, again as i said, everyone has there level of comfortability.
Thanks for the info, the seco option is not for me and i believe i am protected better.
Remember there are different type of panel surge protection.
good luck folks