seco surge protector

[village dreamer]

well should I pay the $350 for a seco whole house surge protector. has anyone lost an appliance due to a surge, with a surge protector??

[photo1902]

well should I pay the $350 for a seco whole house surge protector. has anyone lost an appliance due to a surge, with a surge protector??

We had one installed. Good piece of mind, especially since it should afford some protection for our pool pump, irrigation controller, etc.

[John_W]

With SECO you can also pay a $25 installation fee and then lease the protector for $5.95 a month on your bill. That way if it goes out, you don't own it. The only time I ever lost anything here was my Century Link backup in the garage, lightning burned out the battery, so I lost my internet and telephone for a few hours until CL came out. Ironically they had problems with those backups and CL came about six months ago and removed the backup battery, said they were taking them out of all the homes. Up north once I had my Directv box get fried, didn't effect the TV or the stereo and anything else. I had the Directv maintenance plan so they just gave me a new box.

[VillageIdiots]

You have the option to just pay a small lease fee in your monthly bill.

[HiHoSteveO]

There have been many threads on this in the past couple of years so a search here should turn up many results and lots of comments and opinions.

In a nutshell, you can buy or rent a SECO surge suppressor
Surge Protection – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/surge-protection/) which is mounted outdoors at your electric meter. $349.

or, you can have an electrician install one at your electrical panel inside the garage which is a little cheaper $295. installed, if done by Lenhart. It mounts flush to the wall just beneath the electrical panel.
Surge Protection | Installation | Lenhart Electric | Residential | Commercial (http://lenhartelectric.com/surge-protection-2/)

Does it save appliances? Guess it depends on how close or severe the lightning strike is. And the type of surge.

It has been said that besides lightning, a major function of the "whole house" suppressor (a misnomer) is to protect from the MANY daily little hits that electric motors take when an air conditioner or major appliance turns on and off.
Here is an excellent "Ask this Old House" video that explains this.
How to Install Surge Protection | This Old House (https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-install-surge-protection)

Here's another video
The Importance of Surge Protection | This Old House (https://www.thisoldhouse.com/watch/importance-surge-protection)

[2BNTV]

well should I pay the $350 for a seco whole house surge protector. has anyone lost an appliance due to a surge, with a surge protector??

I would pay fro the surge protector and have peace of mind. It seems to be cheaper than if an appliance gets blown out.

I haven't lost an appliance in 5 years but I wouldn't want to find out the hard way but that's me.

[biker1]

Read the small print associated with this device. A surge between the SECO device and the transformer is not covered. It will not stop the events that cause real damage; close by lightning strike that hops onto a cable entering your house. I know a couple that lost several appliances in their home from that event and they had a SECO surge protector. There isn't a consumer grade device that will protect you from a close in lightning strike.


well should I pay the $350 for a seco whole house surge protector. has anyone lost an appliance due to a surge, with a surge protector??

[biker1]

The fact that you haven't lost any appliances in 5 years is not proof of effectiveness. I haven't lost an appliance in over 30 years and I have never had a surge protector.

I would pay fro the surge protector and have peace of mind. It seems to be cheaper than if an appliance gets blown out.

I haven't lost an appliance in 5 years but I wouldn't want to find out the hard way but that's me.

[perrjojo]

I look at it this way...if I live here 8 years (and have already lived here 6 years) a surge protector will cost me $4.15 per month. I think it’s worth it since we live in the lightening capitol of the USA.

[I Tango]

We went with the Lenharts surge protection instead. It cost about the same as SECO, but it included a second separate surge protector at the fuse box to cover your cable tv. SECO didn't have an option for surge protection for the cable.

[Abby10]

Read the small print associated with this device. A surge between the SECO device and the transformer is not covered. It will not stop the events that cause real damage; close by lightning strike that hops onto a cable entering your house. I know a couple that lost several appliances in their home from that event and they had a SECO surge protector. There isn't a consumer grade device that will protect you from a close in lightning strike.

All that you have said we found out the hard way, not in TV but here up north. Ours was not a lightning strike but a surge that went through half of our neighborhood when someone ran into a an electrical pole with their car. It sent a surge that damaged multiple appliances in our home as well as several of our neighbor's homes. Although we had a professionally installed surge protector in our home at the time, it was not capable of taking that sort of hit. And even though it came with $20,000 worth of insurance, the surge protector supplier would not cover it because of the power of that surge. They said exactly what you did - no surge protector could have prevented that from happening. So reading the fine print is a must. We learned the hard way. Not to say one shouldn't have one installed on their house. We have one on our TV home, but we certainly don't feel 100% protected just because we do.

[Sillymetwo]

As a newbie in Hillsborough, I bought the whole house surge suppressor from Pike’s last year, hoping for peace of mind. Also installed individual surge suppressors on specific items, such as garage door openers, irrigation system, microwave, etc. Our roof was struck by lightning on 5/16/18 on a not so stormy day. Blew off some shingles, took out the modem, a garage door opener, irrigation system, recliner motors, and one GFI. TVs, Alexa, and stereo receiver survived. Believe me, I’m thankful for no fire and no more damage. Pikes charged me to replace the GFI and said the suppressor is a “level of security” from the power source to the box, as well as the individual surge protectors. So, draw your own conclusions.

[Packer Fan]

I had a lighting strike my house in Terre Haute indiana in 1989. Homeowners insurance covered the furnace, water heater, appliances after the deductible. Not sure what you guys are all worried about, Homeowners insurance covers it.

[JoMar]

We also went with the surge protection at the panel plus surge protectors on all the computers, tv's and almost anything else that plugs into a socket. If we get a direct hit they will all be mostly useless. On the upside, several houses in our development have been hit and their stuff fried (even with protection) but their insurance covered it. The biggest pain was having the entire house wiring checked and areas replaced.

[retiredguy123]

A waste of money.

[Chatbrat]

The surge protector that most of the electrical contractors in TV install, cost less than $70..00--the same goes for the one SECO installs--Its so simple and will take less than 10 minutes to install--

1) remove electric panel cover

2) remove 2 twist out space blanks

3) plug in the surge protector

4) hook up white wire to the neutral bar

5) replace panel cover

6) you just saved $300.00

or call a handy man & have them install it--the surge protector has a $50K damage policy

[Wiotte]

The surge protector that most of the electrical contractors in TV install, cost less than $70..00--the same goes for the one SECO installs--Its so simple and will take less than 10 minutes to install--

1) remove electric panel cover

2) remove 2 twist out space blanks

3) plug in the surge protector

4) hook up white wire to the neutral bar

5) replace panel cover

6) you just saved $300.00

or call a handy man & have them install it--the surge protector has a $50K damage policy



Would you let someone you like recommend a handyman to remove a panel cover let alone work inside it ? Way too much exposure for a lawsuit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wiotte]

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[NoMoSno]

The Surge protector Duke Energy installs is mounted between the meter and the box on the outside. Not a DIY project.

[Chatbrat]

I'm a retired electrical contractor a 6 month apprentice could install a surge protector in any pane;--a handyman could do it if he or she feels qualified

[NoMoSno]

I'm a retired electrical contractor a 6 month apprentice could install a surge protector in any pane;--a handyman could do it if he or she feels qualified
Not an outside protector, unless you want to break the seal on the meter, which the electric company would frown upon.
I'm a handyman that won't touch electrical work, due to liability. For myself, yes no problem working within the panel.

[biker1]

LOL. Of course, they don't actually protect you from what does the real damage; lightning. Today's electronics are remarkable immune to typical surges. Feel free to install these useless devices. Those of us who actually understand physics know how useless they are. I have home owner's insurance in case a close by lightning strike takes out any appliances.

The surge protector that most of the electrical contractors in TV install, cost less than $70..00--the same goes for the one SECO installs--Its so simple and will take less than 10 minutes to install--

1) remove electric panel cover

2) remove 2 twist out space blanks

3) plug in the surge protector

4) hook up white wire to the neutral bar

5) replace panel cover

6) you just saved $300.00

or call a handy man & have them install it--the surge protector has a $50K damage policy

[queasy27]

Does the Seco option include a separate device for coaxial cable protection?

I lost the TV and satellite receiver a couple of years ago after a surge came through the coax.

[Wiotte]

Does the Seco option include a separate device for coaxial cable protection?

I lost the TV and satellite receiver a couple of years ago after a surge came through the coax.



No it doesn’t. Line voltage protection only at the meter head.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[EdFNJ]

With SECO you can also pay a $25 installation fee and then lease the protector for $5.95 a month on your bill. That way if it goes out, you don't own it.



Seco covers it for life. Ours must have taken a hit (it was 9yrs old from previous owner) and they replaced it next day no questions asked.

[Retiring]

Does the Seco option include a separate device for coaxial cable protection?

I lost the TV and satellite receiver a couple of years ago after a surge came through the coax.


A long time ago, before surge protectors were a thing - I had a lightening loss, a television through the cable line. The repair people said a component inside the tv was actually melted, thankfully no fire. Surge protectors may not be bulletproof but they do offer some protection. It costs less than one latte mocha soy vanilla frappuccino per month. As Nike says, just do it.

[EdFNJ]

We also replaced the outlets for our TV and refrigerator with one of these which are supposed to provide good transient surge protection: Hubbell HBL5262ISA Spike Shield Circuit Guard Specification Grade Surge Suppression Duplex Receptacle with Light and Alarm, 125V AC, 60Hz, 15A, 2 Pole, 3 Wire, Ivory: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific (https://www.amazon.com/Hubbell-HBL5262ISA-Specification-Suppression-Receptacle/dp/B00IS2YVVG)

They were half the shown price on other sites.

[graciegirl]

I look at it this way...if I live here 8 years (and have already lived here 6 years) a surge protector will cost me $4.15 per month. I think it’s worth it since we live in the lightening capitol of the USA.

Exactly.

[photo1902]

The surge protector that most of the electrical contractors in TV install, cost less than $70..00--the same goes for the one SECO installs--Its so simple and will take less than 10 minutes to install--

1) remove electric panel cover

2) remove 2 twist out space blanks

3) plug in the surge protector

4) hook up white wire to the neutral bar

5) replace panel cover

6) you just saved $300.00

or call a handy man & have them install it--the surge protector has a $50K damage policy

To suggest having anyone aside from a licensed electrician perform this type of work for another person, is ludicrous. If a "handy man" offers to do this job for you, run, don't walk, from the offer.

[spk7951]

well should I pay the $350 for a seco whole house surge protector. has anyone lost an appliance due to a surge, with a surge protector??


Few weeks back one of our neighbors experienced a lightning strike near their house. They lost all Comcast services, the refrigerator, dishwasher, garage door opener and the spa controls. Insurance is paying for a good part of it.
They now have a SECO surge protector on their meter.

[Toymeister]

We also replaced the outlets for our TV and refrigerator with one of these which are supposed to provide good transient surge protection: Hubbell HBL5262ISA Spike Shield Circuit Guard Specification Grade Surge Suppression Duplex Receptacle with Light and Alarm, 125V AC, 60Hz, 15A, 2 Pole, 3 Wire, Ivory: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific (https://www.amazon.com/Hubbell-HBL5262ISA-Specification-Suppression-Receptacle/dp/B00IS2YVVG)

They were half the shown price on other sites.

If that is what you want to Do why not save your money and buy this one at a fraction of the cost. 10 year warranty, solid manufacturer, 720 joules rating. Leviton 5280-W 15 Amp, 125 Volt, Decora Plus Duplex Surge Suppressor Receptacle, Straight Blade, Industrial Grade, Self Grounding, White - Surge Protector Outlet - Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-5280-W-Suppressor-Receptacle-Industrial/dp/B0006I33Y6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1529252028&sr=8-3&keywords=surge+protector+duplex+outlet)

[EdFNJ]

If that is what you want to Do why not save your money and buy this one at a fraction of the cost. 10 year warranty, solid manufacturer, 720 joules rating. Leviton 5280-W 15 Amp, 125 Volt, Decora Plus Duplex Surge Suppressor Receptacle, Straight Blade, Industrial Grade, Self Grounding, White - Surge Protector Outlet - Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-5280-W-Suppressor-Receptacle-Industrial/dp/B0006I33Y6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1529252028&sr=8-3&keywords=surge+protector+duplex+outlet)


As noted I had already bought and installed two of when we moved in here a year and a half ago. Brand new in sealed box for $39 each off eBay. They came highly recommended by a couple people who use them for commercial use so I went with them.

[Toymeister]

The product Ed recommend only meets the minimum protection required, not the preferred protection recommended see this article for an explanation:
Surge Protector Ratings | HowStuffWorks (https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/home/surge-protector7.htm) the one I recommended costs is one half the price and meets and exceeds a higher standard as explained in the article above. The levinton product is superior and costs 18.49 here it is againLeviton 5280-W 15 Amp, 125 Volt, Decora Plus Duplex Surge Suppressor Receptacle, Straight Blade, Industrial Grade, Self Grounding, White - Surge Protector Outlet - Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-5280-W-Suppressor-Receptacle-Industrial/dp/B0006I33Y6/ref=pd_bxgy_60_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0006I33Y6&pd_rd_r=0ffd255c-7292-11e8-8490-8f50b5c91b8a&pd_rd_w=dpTUx&pd_rd_wg=rd00l&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3914568618330124508&pf_rd_r=XVSTTPM8QHHC65CS1AW8&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=XVSTTPM8QHHC65CS1AW8). If you want to install one get the superior product. If you have an inferior product and protection is important to you remove the Hubble, discard it and buy the Levinton to get 720 joules protection. The inferior Hubble only has 240 joules, don't buy it!

[EdFNJ]

If that is what you want to Do why not save your money and buy this one at a fraction of the cost. 10 year warranty, solid manufacturer, 720 joules rating. Leviton 5280-W 15 Amp, 125 Volt, Decora Plus Duplex Surge Suppressor Receptacle, Straight Blade, Industrial Grade, Self Grounding, White - Surge Protector Outlet - Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-5280-W-Suppressor-Receptacle-Industrial/dp/B0006I33Y6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1529252028&sr=8-3&keywords=surge+protector+duplex+outlet)




I didn't "recommend" anything, I simply stated what I had done and what I had used. My purchase was based on the recommendation of an engineer who designs and builds multi-million dollar network centers and uses these devices. I think they will be sufficient to protect my fridge and TV and if not, that's why I have insurance. :D ;)

[VillagerFrog58]

Nothing can help you if you get a direct strike from lightening but if it hits in the general area and travels via the underground power lines, there is a benefit and difference between the surge protectors that are mounted at the electrical meter outside your house and those that can be mounted inside your electrical panel in the garage.

The outside SECO ones are manufactured by Meter-Treater in Florida model #575-1SL-A. I've attached the spec sheet in this post. It is classified as a type 1 protector while those that mount in your circuit breaker box are classified as a type 2. I've attached a typical spec for an Eaton BR protector. If you google "difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Surge Protective Devices", you can read about the differences.

The outside meters from Seco can handle a lot more surge current and they direct that current to ground on the outside. The circuit breaker protectors (while ok) don't handle as much current and they allow the surge to enter farther in your panel before attempting to clip it.

In any case, additional outlet protectors should still be placed on important appliances in the house.

While it's up to you on what you want to do, but I'd suggest the outside SECO meter for piece of mind as it adds more protection.

[EdFNJ]

Here’s an interesting article I found about whole home surge protectors. Most interesting after all the technical stuff was down near the end when he talked about the WORTHLESS $50,000-$infinity$ “if your equipment gets damaged” warranties they give which is pretty obvious anyway.


What's the "Best" Whole-House Surge Protection? (https://www.stevejenkins.com/blog/2014/10/whats-the-best-whole-house-surge-protection/)

[Jayhawk]

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[LI SNOWBIRD]

My brother is an electrician and installed a surge protector in our home in LI and in TV. Within a 1 month there was a lightning strike outside of our Li home. We were fine but our neighbor had to replace refrigerator, computer and other electrical appliances. Then we came back to TV and had another lightning strike. . Once again there was no damage to electrical appliances. I think that this speaks for itself.

[Lightning]

For clarification there is one action you can take if your concern is a direct lightning strike to your home. It is a lightning protection system.* They have been protecting against direct lightning strikes for over 200 years.* You will note that all Villages pumping stations are protected as is nearly every building at Sumter Landing, the main fire station on Morse Blvd, most large churches, and some homes.* It all depends on your threshold of risk.* If a direct strike is a concern you install them.* If a direct strike is not a concern you do nothing.* If you do decide to install a system only deal with installers who specialize in lightning protection systems that are listed by UL and their installers qualify for Master Installer by the Lightning Protection Institute.