Meter Based Surge Arrester

[Oakley]

We are new to The Villages from Illinois and keep hearing a common them about power surges. Our electric is through Seco and they offer a meter based surge arrester.

Does anyone have a surge arrester on their meter, or have any suggestions/opinions concerning power surges?

Thank You

[photo1902]

We are new to The Villages from Illinois and keep hearing a common them about power surges. Our electric is through Seco and they offer a meter based surge arrester.

Does anyone have a surge arrester on their meter, or have any suggestions/opinions concerning power surges?

Thank You

Yes. We had SECO install one on our house last year. Its still a good idea to use point of use surge protectors for tv's, computers, etc. We went with the meter based surge protector since we wanted our pool equipment covered as well.

[wdonze]

We have DITEK surge protection installed in the breaker panel. We got it from Galaxy Electric as they were the ones who wired our home when it was built. In Oct '14 it cost $575 installed. I don't know if it is still true now, but the time the SECO solution was a monthly charge. I chose to pay once and be done with it. You still need the surge-protected power strips for stuff like your PC, TV, etc.

[graciegirl]

Yes. We had SECO install one on our house last year. Its still a good idea to use point of use surge protectors for tv's, computers, etc. We went with the meter based surge protector since we wanted our pool equipment covered as well.

Completely agree. Do all these things immediately.

[CWGUY]

We are new to The Villages from Illinois and keep hearing a common them about power surges. Our electric is through Seco and they offer a meter based surge arrester.

Does anyone have a surge arrester on their meter, or have any suggestions/opinions concerning power surges?

Thank You

:read:Surge Protection – SECO Energy (https://www.secoenergy.com/surge-protection/)

I elected to rent mine. If it takes a hit it's toast. I'll rent another one. Still use point of use protection as well. :thumbup:

[ggnlars]

Agree with CWGUY. The reason for it is any power outage can cause a surge that will fry the electronics in the house, stoves, refrigerators etc. These are not likely to have a local surge protector in place. A series of pulses can cause the failure as well.
The proper size protector is put in the circuit of things like TVs, DVRs computers etc. These you want to have live all the time, so you can not use the ultimate surge protection. Even with all of this, items of high value that do not require constant power should be given the ultimate surge protection: Unplugged from source except when in use.
A direct hit will likely wipe everything out. Lightning in the area tends to pulse the power in the lines. A similar pulse happens with a shut down or start up of power. These are the most likely and the whole house unit will handle these.

[Madelaine Amee]

We took a lightening strike late in the evening. We had what SECO called a rolling blackout. Gradually, over a period of hours, everything in the house went down. SECO were amazing. We now have surge protectors on everything, ours are rented from SECO.

[Ecuadog]

I suggest that if you have cable, use some kind of coaxial cable surge protection too. It is also part of some of the larger point-of-use electrical surge protectors. I have lost a computer and a television to a lightning ground strike that found its way in through the cable.

[MikeV]

We use SECO installed surge protection. We opted to rent it.

[Chatbrat]

I'm retired electrical contractor--all you have to do is buy a compatible 2 pole surge protector that will plug into your panel--it takes the space that a typical 2 pole circuit breaker does and one wire is connected to the neutral bar--a very simple installation--approx $50=$65 and you get $25k -$50k protection-- it does the same thing that SECO 's unit does--any good handyman or a neighbor who is comfortable & knows how to replace a circuit breaker can install it

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, it is a waste of money. It will not protect against a lightning strike to your house. You need lightning rods for that. If you have major damage to electrical equipment, it would be covered by homeowners insurance. Most people don't have whole house surge protectors because they don't need them. I have never had one, and have never had damage due to a power surge. Use power strips to plug in electronics.

[CWGUY]

I'm retired electrical contractor--all you have to do is buy a compatible 2 pole surge protector that will plug into your panel--it takes the space that a typical 2 pole circuit breaker does and one wire is connected to the neutral bar--a very simple installation--approx $50=$65 and you get $25k -$50k protection-- it does the same thing that SECO 's unit does--any good handyman or a neighbor who is comfortable & knows how to replace a circuit breaker can install it

:confused: Does it do the same as the one in post #3 that Galaxy Electric ( an electrical contractor ) charged $575 for? How do you know you are protected? Does it have a red LED light like the SECO protector?

[Chatbrat]

Yes- go on line and check out surge protectors , mine has a green light -- not bad $575. for a $50-$75.00 item--go to the home depot & check out panel surge protectors

Basically you're paying for an insurance policy from the device manufacturer

[CWGUY]

Yes- go on line and check out surge protectors , mine has a green light -- not bad $575. for a $50-$75.00 item--go to the home depot & check out panel surge protectors

Basically you're paying for an insurance policy from the device manufacturer

Thanks.

Now, what is the GREEN LIGHT I see on the 220 disconnect for outside A/C units. Is it surge protection for the unit? Does it come with the disconnect or is it an add on?

[HiHoSteveO]

To the OP, if you do a search (above) here for "surge suppression" many threads will appear that also discuss all this.

Having surge suppression is probably a good idea.

Here's a short video to help (I hope).
Protect Your Home From Dangerous Lightning Strikes! (http://www.leviton.com/en/products/surge-protective-devices/protect-your-home-from-dangerous-lightning-strikes&section=61379)

Last year I went for the electrical circuit panel mounted type installed by Lenhart Electric. I got the best one they offer which was $275. installed. Also use individual point of use for microwave, irrigation timer, TV, etc.
Surge Protection - Lenhart Electric Company (http://lenhartelectric.com/surge-protection/)

Maybe someday will "buy" the SECO meter mounted one but haven't done so yet.

[Chatbrat]

The green light is on the surgery protector--it indicates your system is protected--if the green light is out--replace the surge protector

[EdFNJ]

:read:Surge Protection – SECO Energy (https://www.secoenergy.com/surge-protection/)



I elected to rent mine. If it takes a hit it's toast. I'll rent another one. Still use point of use protection as well. :thumbup:



If you buy it it's warranted for life. Our home had the SECO meter mounted unit when we purchased it earlier this year. It was a prepaid unit (not rented) purchased by the previous owner and is fully warranteed for life in fact they just replaced mine because it must have taken a hit because one of the 2 lights on it were out so you don't need to buy or rent a new one if it gets hit.


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[CWGUY]

If you buy it it's warranted for life. Our home had the SECO meter mounted unit when we purchased it earlier this year. It was a prepaid unit (not rented) purchased by the previous owner and is fully warranteed for life in fact they just replaced mine because it must have taken a hit because one of the 2 lights on it were out so you don't need to buy or rent a new one if it gets hit.


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:thumbup: Thank you!

[photo1902]

I'm retired electrical contractor--all you have to do is buy a compatible 2 pole surge protector that will plug into your panel--it takes the space that a typical 2 pole circuit breaker does and one wire is connected to the neutral bar--a very simple installation--approx $50=$65 and you get $25k -$50k protection-- it does the same thing that SECO 's unit does--any good handyman or a neighbor who is comfortable & knows how to replace a circuit breaker can install it

As a retired electrical contractor that you claim to be, I find it appalling you'd suggest a handyman or neighbor remove a breaker panel cover and install the surge protector you're recommending. Foolish and irresponsible advice.

[biker1]

Just be aware that these devices will not protect any of your equipment from a close lightning strike that hops onto a cable entering your house. This is much different than power surges that may originate far from your house. Also, the insurance associated with these devices will probably not cover you for a close lightning strike. Be sure to read the small print on the insurance as you may find language that states you have coverage if the device doesn't perform as designed. These devices aren't designed to handle close lightning strikes. Your home owner's insurance policy will probably cover damage (after your deductible).

To the OP, if you do a search (above) here for "surge suppression" many threads will appear that also discuss all this.

Having surge suppression is probably a good idea.

Here's a short video to help (I hope).
Protect Your Home From Dangerous Lightning Strikes! (http://www.leviton.com/en/products/surge-protective-devices/protect-your-home-from-dangerous-lightning-strikes&section=61379)

Last year I went for the electrical circuit panel mounted type installed by Lenhart Electric. I got the best one they offer which was $275. installed. Also use individual point of use for microwave, irrigation timer, TV, etc.
Surge Protection - Lenhart Electric Company (http://lenhartelectric.com/surge-protection/)

Maybe someday will "buy" the SECO meter mounted one but haven't done so yet.

[Skip]

As a retired electrical contractor that you claim to be, I find it appalling you'd suggest a handyman or neighbor remove a breaker panel cover and install the surge protector you're recommending. Foolish and irresponsible advice.

I don't agree. Chatbrat suggested a good way to save money and it's not that difficult. I added one myself a few years ago.

The real culprit here in Florida is ground strike lightning coming though the phone or cable. That'll take out anything connected to either (like TVs and Computers). Homeowners insurance won't cover that $2,000 item.

The BEST thing to do is shut down your Computer(s) and TV(s), unplug the power from the wall, AND unplug the coax cables too. Do this BEFORE any storm approaches or when you're going to be away. Then you're isolated from both power surges AND lightning strikes for expensive items.

Some years ago, a lightning strike took out many TVs and Computers on our block. Ours were the only ones that survived. We did lose the splitters over the garage however. Much cheaper fix than buying new HD-TVs and Desktop Computers and all their files.

Skip

[graciegirl]

I don't agree. Chatbrat suggested a good way to save money and it's not that difficult. I added one myself a few years ago.

The real culprit here in Florida is ground strike lightning coming though the phone or cable. That'll take out anything connected to either (like TVs and Computers). Homeowners insurance won't cover that $2,000 item.

The BEST thing to do is shut down your Computer(s) and TV(s), unplug the power from the wall, AND unplug the coax cables too. Do this BEFORE any storm approaches or when you're going to be away. Then you're isolated from both power surges AND lightning strikes for expensive items.

Some years ago, a lightning strike took out many TVs and Computers on our block. Ours were the only ones that survived. We did lose the splitters over the garage however. Much cheaper fix than buying new HD-TVs and Desktop Computers and all their files.

Skip

Skip.

I respect your advice mightily. But practically every day for months we get thunderstorms and they are usually in the afternoon. That seems almost impossible to do because it would be difficult to know when to unplug and replug.

[Chatbrat]

In order to really protect additional TV's , computers ,etc. power them via a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) you will need several--but with the panel surge & a ups your just about bullet proof

[biker1]

This is absolute nonsense. Unless you are buying commercial grade equipment, a close lightning strike will take out a lot of your appliances. Bullet-proof - what a joke. There is no such thing as bullet-proof unless you are buying commercial grade equipment (and even that is questionable).

In order to really protect additional TV's , computers ,etc. power them via a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) you will need several--but with the panel surge & a ups your just about bullet proof

[Chatbrat]

go to best buy and see what they have and look at the insurance which is part of the package-again a person who knows what they are doing and the big word is KNOWS--should have no problem taking the cover off of a panel & plugging in the equivalent of a 2 pole breaker

[biker1]

So what equipment are you going to buy at BestBuy that is going to handle 100K amps? Seriously, dude, do you have any idea what you are talking about? The insurance is worded to protect to the design specs of the device. This is really laughable.

go to best buy and see what they have and look at the insurance which is part of the package-again a person who knows what they are doing and the big word is KNOWS--should have no problem taking the cover off of a panel & plugging in the equivalent of a 2 pole breaker

[Fanman]

The SECO unit also warranties against lost of appliances up to $5000.

[photo1902]

I don't agree. Chatbrat suggested a good way to save money and it's not that difficult. I added one myself a few years ago.

The real culprit here in Florida is ground strike lightning coming though the phone or cable. That'll take out anything connected to either (like TVs and Computers). Homeowners insurance won't cover that $2,000 item.

The BEST thing to do is shut down your Computer(s) and TV(s), unplug the power from the wall, AND unplug the coax cables too. Do this BEFORE any storm approaches or when you're going to be away. Then you're isolated from both power surges AND lightning strikes for expensive items.

Some years ago, a lightning strike took out many TVs and Computers on our block. Ours were the only ones that survived. We did lose the splitters over the garage however. Much cheaper fix than buying new HD-TVs and Desktop Computers and all their files.

Skip

You don't agree with what? Letting a neighbor or handyman in to your electric panel? If you find a handyman that'll do it, more power to you. Hopefully they're a licensed electrician. If not, run, don't walk from hiring them.

[biker1]

Read the warranty, in detail.

The SECO unit also warranties against lost of appliances up to $5000.

[EdFNJ]

I don't agree. Chatbrat suggested a good way to save money and it's not that difficult. I added one myself a few years ago.



The real culprit here in Florida is ground strike lightning coming though the phone or cable. That'll take out anything connected to either (like TVs and Computers). Homeowners insurance won't cover that $2,000 item.



The BEST thing to do is shut down your Computer(s) and TV(s), unplug the power from the wall, AND unplug the coax cables too. Do this BEFORE any storm approaches or when you're going to be away. Then you're isolated from both power surges AND lightning strikes for expensive items.



Some years ago, a lightning strike took out many TVs and Computers on our block. Ours were the only ones that survived. We did lose the splitters over the garage however. Much cheaper fix than buying new HD-TVs and Desktop Computers and all their files.



Skip



In theory that is the best idea but in practice you'll go out of your mind plugging and unplugging every time a storm is supposed to roll by. Really not practical but still good advice.

And to the other poster: As far as changing a breaker in a panel just because you have an electricians license does not necessarily make you any better or smarter than someone who knows how to remove a few screws and handle electricity. Yes, it will keep electricians employed but isn't always really necessary. IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING it really is no more difficult than many other DIY projects. If you have doubt, don't do it. I rewired virtually my entire home up north over the years, installed outlets, fuse panels and much other stuff. Also did my own plumbing including water heaters, sinks and copper piping and most auto repairs.

If you learn how to do it by doing some reading and watching you can be just as good as any licensed electrician, mechanic or plumber and save lots of money.

I do repeat though, if you're no comfortable doing it DON'T because you can kill yourself.


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[Oakley]

The 2 pole surge protector will do the same thing as the meter arrester? Thank You

[Wiotte]

In theory that is the best idea but in practice you'll go out of your mind plugging and unplugging every time a storm is supposed to roll by. Really not practical but still good advice.

And to the other poster: As far as changing a breaker in a panel just because you have an electricians license does not necessarily make you any better or smarter than someone who knows how to remove a few screws and handle electricity. Yes, it will keep electricians employed but isn't always really necessary. IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING it really is no more difficult than many other DIY projects. If you have doubt, don't do it. I rewired virtually my entire home up north over the years, installed outlets, fuse panels and much other stuff. Also did my own plumbing including water heaters, sinks and copper piping and most auto repairs.

If you learn how to do it by doing some reading and watching you can be just as good as any licensed electrician, mechanic or plumber and save lots of money.

I do repeat though, if you're no comfortable doing it DON'T because you can kill yourself.


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I=V/R


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[VillagerNut]

We are new to The Villages from Illinois and keep hearing a common them about power surges. Our electric is through Seco and they offer a meter based surge arrester.

Does anyone have a surge arrester on their meter, or have any suggestions/opinions concerning power surges?

Thank You

The answer to your question is absolutely you need to have protection at the meter. Seco has two choices. One is to rent on a monthly basis for a little less than six dollars per month. Or purchase for approximately $325. The problem is if you purchase out right when it needs to be replaced because of the number of hits that it takes you get to purchase it again for $325. If you rent it is replaced free of charge. So I opt to rent the device monthly. This device will protect your major items like air conditioner and air handler.

But you also have to have individual protection on all of your other items. I use a UPS that costs around $60 for all of my office equipment for my work at my house. If you have cable or a phone line you also need to have a protection on those items so it doesn't run through the rest of your wiring in the house. So for all of my living room entertainment equipment I also have a $60 UPS box which has phone and coxial cable connections on it. These boxes also can go bad because of the number of surges they take so you have to watch their status lights.

When I lived in Orlando, Progress Energy (Now Duke) kept doing brownouts during the daytime where it was like they flipped the main switch and flipped it right back on. Obviously that's not good for anything in your house to have that happen. I finally was able to get them to put a Device on to register the amount of power coming through the line at my house. Three days later I came home and my air conditioner was not working. The end of the story progress energy paid over $5000 for items that were destroyed by their power surge coming through the house. They couldn't find the problem in the electrical lines for three months before that but it took them less than three days to find a problem in the feeder line a mile away from my house.

For the person that suggested that you do not need any protection and just to run it through your homeowners insurance if you have problems they are delusional! You never want to file an insurance claim against your homeowners insurance unless it's absolutely the last defense. Your homeowners insurance will get canceled and your deductible is high anyways!

For the person that suggested to get a handyman or anyone except a licensed electrician or Seco to do the work, that is the most insane suggestion to make. If you have a fire and it is proven that you had somebody that is not an electrician mess with your breaker box your insurance claim could be denied!

[Chatbrat]

The big word is could--any person can replace a breaker or install a surge protector--there is no LOAD connected to the surge protector its akin to plugging a device into an outlet--the only problem is matching the brand to the panel

it is NOT wiring, do you need a licensed electrician to hang a fixture on an existing ceiling box, NO--a handy man can do this-- if he knows what to do !!!

[retiredguy123]

I seems to me that people buy or rent a surge protector based on a sales pitch from SECO or other contractors. But, the electrical codes already require a certain amount of built in surge protection and other installation provisions to assure a safe and reliable electrical service, without unreasonable and harmful surges. Most people I know have not paid extra for an additional whole house surge protector. Call me delusional, but I think paying for an extra surge protection device, without any real verifiable evidence that it works, is a waste of money.

[Chatbrat]

I put a surge protector in a house that I had purchased for a combat buddy of mine that had fallen on hard times, the house was hit by a big surge the panel cover the hinge part was blown open-he told me that SECO mechanics told him the plug in unit is basically the same thing that they use and it saved his major appliances.

[Sandtrap328]

I seems to me that people buy or rent a surge protector based on a sales pitch from SECO or other contractors. But, the electrical codes already require a certain amount of built in surge protection and other installation provisions to assure a safe and reliable electrical service, without unreasonable and harmful surges. Most people I know have not paid extra for an additional whole house surge protector. Call me delusional, but I think paying for an extra surge protection device, without any real verifiable evidence that it works, is a waste of money.

The $5.50 per month SECO surge protector also comes with several individual surge protectors for items such as computers. It also includes an insurance policy in case of damage from a power surge. Is it worth the $5.50 per month? Is your home insurance or car insurance or cart insurance worth their costs? Not until they are needed - at that time - YES!!

[Aloha1]

Leesburg Electric, which services south of 466A, offers what they call "Meter Treater". It's a whole house surge protector for $3.50/month. same thing as SECO but cheaper.

[CWGUY]

The $5.50 per month SECO surge protector also comes with several individual surge protectors for items such as computers. It also includes an insurance policy in case of damage from a power surge. Is it worth the $5.50 per month? Is your home insurance or car insurance or cart insurance worth their costs? Not until they are needed - at that time - YES!!

Surge Protection – SECO Energy (https://www.secoenergy.com/surge-protection/)

Rent for $5.95 per month with $25.00 install fee.
Buy for $349.00 plus tax. No install fee.

They do not come with individual surge protectors anymore.

[photo1902]

The big word is could--any person can replace a breaker or install a surge protector--there is no LOAD connected to the surge protector its akin to plugging a device into an outlet--the only problem is matching the brand to the panel

it is NOT wiring, do you need a licensed electrician to hang a fixture on an existing ceiling box, NO--a handy man can do this-- if he knows what to do !!!

Yes, we get it. It's easy to install. So is replacing a breaker. My contention was that its terrible advice to suggest to a homeowner he/she have a handyman or a neighbor do it. That advice is absolutely insane, on so many levels. If you want to do that kind of work at your own house, that's your prerogative. There are many people here in The Villages that hire people to do jobs outside the scope of their abilities. If you hire a painter, worse case is you end up with a bad paint job. If you hire someone to go into your breaker panel and install a device, worse case is he/she gets electrocuted, or you burn down your house, if the job is not properly done. The couple hundred bucks you save on hiring an electrician would seem really cheap after that.

[Chatbrat]

If you turn off the main breaker, all the busses in the panel are not energized--