Lightning

[Stu from NYC]

Learning that we are in the lightning capital of the US. Considering some sort of whole house surge protector and from lightning strikes. .
Seco Energy has what they call a surge mitigator at a rather expensive cost but it only protects against surges and no help to electronics or apparently from lightning.
Have now heard of whole house surge protectors but having a problem finding out info.
Any suggestions on how to protect our entire home from surge protectors and lightning strikes?
Thanks so much for your help.

[photo1902]

Learning that we are in the lightning capital of the US. Considering some sort of whole house surge protector and from lightning strikes. .
Seco Energy has what they call a surge mitigator at a rather expensive cost but it only protects against surges and no help to electronics or apparently from lightning.
Have now heard of whole house surge protectors but having a problem finding out info.
Any suggestions on how to protect our entire home from surge protectors and lightning strikes?
Thanks so much for your help.

You have several options:

1) The"Surge MitiGator" that SECO (and only SECO) installs on your meter. You can buy it outright, or pay installments. We've had one on our house for the past six years.

2) Have an electrician install a Whole House Surge Protector, which installs in or near your breaker panel.

3) Install "point of use" surge protectors on television sets, electronics, computers, where you want some form of surge protection.

Regardless of which route you take, option 3 is not a bad idea (even if you have option 1 or 2).

Hope this helps. I'm sure many "experts" will eventually weigh in with pro's and con's.

Despite many strong storms, with abundant lightning, we've not sustained any damage (fingers crossed) to any electronics in our home. Of course it's probably next to impossible if this is from luck, or having the Surge MitiGator installed.

[retiredguy123]

A whole house surge protector is not designed to protect your house against lightning. To do that, you would need a lightning protection system that would include lightning rods on your roof connected to a cable system that would channel a lightning strike through the cables and into the ground. I don't believe that either a whole house surge protector or a lightning protection system are worth buying. The best way to protect electronics is with local surge protectors near the electronics. Also, your homeowners insurance will cover damage due to an electrical surge or lightning.

[villagetinker]

IMHO, get the SECO unit ($6/month), it comes with several smaller units to use inside for electronics. If you do not get enough, you can go to any of the big box stores and buy additional ones (make sure these are UL listed for SURGE protection and not as an extension cord). From first hand experience, we had a close in strike (heard it, saw it, felt it all at the same instant), it did several thousand dollars in damages to the neighbors, no apparent dame at ours, SEDO unit installed.

[Bogie Shooter]

Surge MitiGator – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/surge-mitigator/)

[Stu from NYC]

Thanks all.

So apparently there is no easy way to protect our electronics from lightning other than unplugging when not in use.

Is this correct?

[Chatbrat]

I bought a 2 pole GE whole house surge protector, installed in my breaker box, will do the exact same thing that the SECO unit does, was told by SECO employees its basically the same thing they use

[bob47]

If I could also ask this about lightning, how do the folks who have installed an outdoor TV antenna, sitting on top of a 20 foot high metal pole, prevent a lightning strike from following the cable right into the house?

[Bogie Shooter]

If I could also ask this about lightning, how do the folks who have installed an outdoor TV antenna, sitting on top of a 20 foot high metal pole, prevent a lightning strike from following the cable right into the house?

In The Villages?

[photo1902]

Thanks all.

So apparently there is no easy way to protect our electronics from lightning other than unplugging when not in use.

Is this correct?

There’s the options listed above. Plain and simple. Is there a 100% solution. No.

[2newyorkers]

We have a whole house surge protector (bought at Home Depot and installed by brother in law) installed at electric box. Our neighbor on one side had the same. When we were hit by ground lightning we had to just flip the circuit breakers back on. Neighbor on the other side that had no surge protection lost his garage door opener and a couple of other electrical appliances.

[bob47]

In The Villages?

In many places.

[dewilson58]

We had The Village install a whole-house protector during construction. It's not going to protect against a direct hit, but will help surges. Talk to an electrical contractor.

[ajbrown]

First off, I am no expert on this subject and will talk in general terms as to be honest I forget our details at the moment. IMO surge protection and protection from direct lighting strikes are two different technologies.

We put in "whole house" surge protection from SECO and then have individual surge protectors on our "high value" items, computers, TV, etc. Most also came from SECO or our lightning "guy".

In addition we had lighting protection installed on the roof. Sad to say I forget the name of the company, there are at a few reputable companies around TV. I am sure there are threads around on TOTV if you are interested, search for lightning.

Does lightning protection work? Some argue it does not, some smart people say it does, I will only know for sure if my house gets struck. It gives us some comfort for the price...

If a neighbor tells you that his house is now safe because all lightning goes to my "rods", be nice and make sure he has access to google to search a bit on that :)

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I have a whole house surge protector, installed by Galaxy out of Wildwood. Met the owner, and his son put in the ethernet outlets and cables throughout the house during construction as a subcontractor. Was $500 or so but I wasn't in the house and its a rental right now, so it was cheap insurance. I forget the brand, but its not the SECO model, its a bit higher end . . . I would recommend it as cheap insurance amortized over the next 10 years, discounted rate of 1%, for a IRR of peace of mind. . . .

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I have sat underneath the roof with a lightning rod when it was hit over in Boca Raton. Scared the p*** out of me. . . am not the highest house by any means, and more in a ditch so I declined the whole house lightning protection

[tophcfa]

I love the Villages, but lightning is without a doubt the worst thing about living there for me. My two favorite activities both are extremely dangerous when lightning is around. I love to swim laps and golf. Being in a pool or walking around in an open area holding a lightning rod are not good. To make matters worse, I like golfing and swimming in the late afternoon and evening right up to dark, when lightning storms seem most likely to appear. I am not complaining, I knew the deal when we bought in, but I still don't like it.

[biker1]

Regarding SECO's offering, read the fine print of the warranty. Here is a bit of it:

Under no circumstances will MTI guarantee performance due to a lightning strike not carried down the utility power
lines and through the utility transformer and then the SPD to the residence.
This warranty excludes all stand-alone “electronic equipment” using microchip, microprocessor or transistor technology, such as but not limited to computers, televisions, DVD Players/Recorders and Security Systems.

Learning that we are in the lightning capital of the US. Considering some sort of whole house surge protector and from lightning strikes. .
Seco Energy has what they call a surge mitigator at a rather expensive cost but it only protects against surges and no help to electronics or apparently from lightning.
Have now heard of whole house surge protectors but having a problem finding out info.
Any suggestions on how to protect our entire home from surge protectors and lightning strikes?
Thanks so much for your help.

[mrf6969]

If you want a true education on the best way to protect your home from lightning then call Danny Mack at A-1 Lightning Protection. There is a lot of misinformation out there and products that are ineffective. 352-465-0620

[Quixote]

We had Seco put in a whole house surge protector on the meter box. We could have bought it outright, but this way it's theirs.... In addition, as was suggested earlier, we have smaller units within the house.

Although Florida is the Lightning Capital, the chances of a direct lightning strike are pretty slim, I was told. So why did we put in a lightning protection system? Our home is equipped with natural gas—and the gas lines the Developer was permitted to use run through the attic AND are the consistency of, IMHO, heavy cardboard. After the research we did, we felt it necessary.. On a comparative basis, the system was relatively inexpensive—and offers peace of mind! Had our home been all electric, we would not have bothered.

[chrssyb40@aol.com]

IF homeowners insurance covers you from surges or lightning strikes, is it logical that the purchase and installation of any electrical equipment is a needless expense for homeowners in the unlikely event of an electrical issue from lightning?

[eeroger]

Learning that we are in the lightning capital of the US. Considering some sort of whole house surge protector and from lightning strikes. .
Seco Energy has what they call a surge mitigator at a rather expensive cost but it only protects against surges and no help to electronics or apparently from lightning.
Have now heard of whole house surge protectors but having a problem finding out info.
Any suggestions on how to protect our entire home from surge protectors and lightning strikes?
Thanks so much for your help.

The SECO surge protector is definitely worth the money. When I was a newbie to TV, I went the electrician route and paid a lot more than the SECO equipment. Lightning Rods ARE also worth it. My house was hit a few years ago with no damage. A neighbors house was hit last year and had thousands of dollars worth of damage. She still has residual electrical problems. Thank goodness no fire occurred. I believe there are only 2 UL listed companies who do business in TV. This is VERY important. Do not contract with anyone who goes door to door. Do your own research by looking up contractors on the Underwriters Laboratory website. There are reports every year of homes damaged by lightning strikes in TV.

[ajbrown]

If you want a true education on the best way to protect your home from lightning then call Danny Mack at A-1 Lightning Protection. There is a lot of misinformation out there and products that are ineffective. 352-465-0620

This is who did our home, I could remember the name when I posted yesterday.

[Windguy]

I think some people are mixing up lightning protection and surge protection. The former is to prevent damage from lightning directly hitting your house. The latter is to protect sensitive electronics from being damaged by surges of energy that come in through the power lines when the electrical grid is hit by lightning.

I think everyone should have a whole house surge suppressor. Pike’s Electric installed one in my house for $300 a few years ago. Yes, the surge-suppressing power strips could help, but would you have one on your appliances, too? They all have computers in them.

Surges can also come in through your cable. I bought surge suppressors with coax connections for every used cable port in my house.

[HiHoSteveO]

SECO provides a surge protector outside at the electrical meter that you can buy or rent.

The other option for "whole house" (a misnomer) surge suppression is to have one located inside at your electrical panel for about $300-400, installed by any local electrician.

Here is a helpful 7 minute video from "ASK, This Old House."
How to Install Surge Protection | Ask This Old House - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGpOwUAJ16c)

[JudyLife]

IMHO, get the SECO unit ($6/month), it comes with several smaller units to use inside for electronics. If you do not get enough, you can go to any of the big box stores and buy additional ones (make sure these are UL listed for SURGE protection and not as an extension cord). From first hand experience, we had a close in strike (heard it, saw it, felt it all at the same instant), it did several thousand dollars in damages to the neighbors, no apparent dame at ours, SEDO unit installed.
The SECO $6 per month unit, can you tell me is there an upfront cost to purchase this or is the only fee the $6 per month? Many thanks.

[photo1902]

The SECO $6 per month unit, can you tell me is there an upfront cost to purchase this or is the only fee the $6 per month? Many thanks.

No offense, but if you go on the SECO website, all the details are spelled out.

[M2inOR]

If you have a lot of electronics like I do, you may also want to consider UPS devices. These are battery backup devices for your computers, cable/internet router, TV, audio system, servers, and DVR.

They come in various sizes, 400W to 1500W, and will power your devices for a short time when there is a power glitch or outage. They also have surge protection.

Why bother? Further protection of your electronic devices. No, don't plug in your appliances or laser printer if you have one.

So, when the lights go out, you'll still have power for awhile to turn things off or shutdown your computers. You may be lucky enough to see the end if that movie or mystery you may have been watching.

My UPS units helped me during those power glitches a few weeks ago when SECO had equipment problems.

UPS units are available at Costco, Sam's, Best Buy, Office Depot, and Amazon.

[PompeyKing]

One thing to remember is that a surge protector that you use in your house does not last forever. After a few years it becomes a fancy outlet expander. Most articles suggest to replace every two or so years, but then it depends on the number of 'surges' that come through the surge protector. I plan to replace my in house surge protectors every 18 months.

When Should You Replace a Surge Protector? - The Home Theater DIY (https://thehometheaterdiy.com/when-to-replace-a-surge-protector/) "So when should you replace a surge protector? Experts recommend you replace your surge protector every 2 years. A surge protector is rated in joules, which indicate how much excessive power they can handle when an electrical surge occurs. However, this figure can be hard to track as surges vary from area to area."

[Curtisbwp]

Learning that we are in the lightning capital of the US. Considering some sort of whole house surge protector and from lightning strikes. .
Seco Enof. ow kn ergy has what they call a surge mitigatodontr at a rather expensive cost but it only protects against surges and no help to electronics or apparently from lightning.
Have now heard of whole house surge protectors but having a problem finding out info.
Any suggestions on how to protect our entire home from surge protectors and lightning strikes?
Thanks so much for your help.

I have lived in TV since 2003 and i know of no lighting strikes. I'm sure there have been strikes that i know nothing about. I do not know but do lightning rods attract lightning?

[bluecenturian]

If you ask people that have actually had their homes struck by lightening I know they would suggest protection.

[Baywayric]

I have a whole house surge protector, installed by Galaxy out of Wildwood. . . .

We have the system installed by Galaxy too. Very good outfit. Brand is Ditek. Also have separate protection for HVAC system, installed by SunKool.

[OhioBuckeye]

You have several options:

1) The"Surge MitiGator" that SECO (and only SECO) installs on your meter. You can buy it outright, or pay installments. We've had one on our house for the past six years.

2) Have an electrician install a Whole House Surge Protector, which installs in or near your breaker panel.

3) Install "point of use" surge protectors on television sets, electronics, computers, where you want some form of surge protection.

Regardless of which route you take, option 3 is not a bad idea (even if you have option 1 or 2).

Hope this helps. I'm sure many "experts" will eventually weigh in with pro's and con's.

Despite many strong storms, with abundant lightning, we've not sustained any damage (fingers crossed) to any electronics in our home. Of course it's probably next to impossible if this is from luck, or having the Surge MitiGator installed.

Had a surge protector put in my entrance electric panel 9 yrs. ago & no issues, (fingers crossed) before we installed the protector our power went out & when the power company turn it back on it the surge blew 2 circuit boards out on our brand new Dryer. Got a new one for FREE, but that’s another story. Lighting Rods are good for lighting but if your house takes a direct hit lighting rods do no good.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

In 30 years in Florida living all over state .I’ve had my AC scorched outside twice that’s pretty common and I also had a wall smashed and the strike went through a the air into my garage knocked out a light bulb in garage and left a little scorch on fuse box, electrician checked it out , didn’t even charge me. All 3 hits were in villages different homes. I don’t have any protection because over the years old ve run into people who had direct hits and none was f those protections worked . I’ll let insurance take care of it, for me all I’m protecting is a couple of tv ‘ and kitchen appliances

[FredJacobs]

I bought a 2 pole GE whole house surge protector, installed in my breaker box, will do the exact same thing that the SECO unit does, was told by SECO employees its basically the same thing they use
A local electrician - LenHart (they advertise everyday in The Sun) installs a whole house surge protector for less that $200.

[nututv]

Unplug what you don't want fried in a storm.
Millions of volts travelling many miles at supersonic speeds are not going to be stopped in their tracks by a made made device half the size of a shoebox. lol

[JP]

I had lightening fry my large screen TV. I got an outside SECO unit and inside surge protecters. No problems since doing that.

[Stu from NYC]

Thanks all for your help and comments.

Just purchased the Seco surge protector which costs $ 349 plus tax installed and carriers a 15 year warranty.

Lady I spoke to says we get a warranty that covers lightning damage to all appliances but does not cover computers or TV.

Asked about difference between doing it outside on box or by inside panel and her answer was better to protect against surges before they get inside your house.

Could have save $ 150 or so by having outside contractor install one but this way in the event that lightning destroys our frig we do not get into a he said/she said between Seco and outside contractor.

Apparently does not come with extra individual surge protectors as someone said.

Seco also said buy a good one not one from a dollar store and no difference between a unit that have room for 6 plus or individual one.

We already have surge protection for our computer but will now buy additional ones for TV's

[dkaufnelson]

As a quick solution you can buy a UPS at any electronic store or online for about $60. It's a box that you can plug your most expensive electronics into if they're all in that same location. It has a surge protection set of outlets as well as non surge protection outlets. It will turn off the power to your electronics if it is hit with a surge. This won't protect all your items but it's a quick and inexpensive way to protect the items that are plugged into it.

[Lightning]

A nearby direct lightning strike (proximity) may hit your neighbor’s house, a flagpole, a fence or wall, a tree, the ground, or some other nearby object. Because lightning is seeking the least resistant path to ground it can cause a surge into your home. Indirect lightning strikes are more frequent and less severe than direct lightning strikes and the need for a lightning protection system (lightning rods). To protect appliances and electronics from an indirect strike consider two tiers of protection. Primary Surge ProtectionPrimary Surge Protection protects the 220-volt “hard wired” equipment that you do not plug into a 120-volt wall outlet including your furnace, A/C, electric dryer. It also provides protection for motors in your refrigerator, freezer, and washing machine. There are two ways to achieve primary protection. You can rent a Surge Protection Device that your electric utility will install behind your exterior electric meter. Alternatively, you can contract with a licensed electrician to install a surge protector on a 30-amp dedicated two-pole breaker on your electric panel in the garage. WARNING! This is not “whole house” surge protection. As good as these surge protection devices are even a small surge may get past it on the electric service. Or a surge can come from the telephone or cable/satellite service. Therefore, you need Secondary Surge Protection.Secondary Surge Protection Secondary surge protection is sometimes called “point-of use” (POU) or “plug ins” that you plug into a 120-volt wall outlet. It is important that the cable or satellite coaxial cable be connected from the cable wall outlet to the surge protector and a second connection is made from the surge protector into the cable or satellite receiver. The same concept applies to telephone lines supporting a computer and a telephone answering machine.The above is the current state-of-the-art, but safety is never absolute. It should be recognized that anything man-made can fail but the equipment discussed above does function as designed an extremely high percentage of the time. Form more information on assessing your lightning risk see The Villages Computer Club April presentation 07-VCC-2020-04-17+04-24-lightning.pdf - Google Drive (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MPs28Tu4P4O0JhSXji2kcwddzYXcc4aC/view)

[Lightning]

Lightning protection systems have been protecting people and property world-wide for over 260 years. They have been the subject of numerous studies over the decades including rocket-to-wire triggered lightning research at the University of Florida.
You may have noted that The Villages has installed LPS on every pumping station, all sewage treatment plants, fire department headquarters including the adjacent emergency operations center, and nearly every building at Sumter Landing. Hospitals and educational facilities are required to be protected by the building code. Most large churches and hotels in the area are also protected as is the Sharon Performing Arts Center and the Savannah Center among many others.

[Chatbrat]

If you can change a circuit breaker in your panel, you can install a whole house surge protector, one wire connects to the neutral bar-- sooo simple, its a plug in installation

The hardest part is removing the panel cover and 2 -1" twist out covers-- a 6 minute job

[biker1]

Regarding the warranty coverage, reread post #18, particularly the part where there is no coverage if the surge originates after the SECO transformer (i.e. a close in strike). Read the warranty, don't rely on what someone on the phone says.

Thanks all for your help and comments.

Just purchased the Seco surge protector which costs $ 349 plus tax installed and carriers a 15 year warranty.

Lady I spoke to says we get a warranty that covers lightning damage to all appliances but does not cover computers or TV.

Asked about difference between doing it outside on box or by inside panel and her answer was better to protect against surges before they get inside your house.

Could have save $ 150 or so by having outside contractor install one but this way in the event that lightning destroys our frig we do not get into a he said/she said between Seco and outside contractor.

Apparently does not come with extra individual surge protectors as someone said.

Seco also said buy a good one not one from a dollar store and no difference between a unit that have room for 6 plus or individual one.

We already have surge protection for our computer but will now buy additional ones for TV's

[Lightning]

For TVs consider routing the coaxial cable through the surge protector. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked.
SECO stopped selling point of use (POU) surge protectors about three years ago. When purchasing POU surge protectors look for the UL label marked 1449 and Type 3.

[HiHoSteveO]

For TVs consider routing the coaxial cable through the surge protector. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked.
SECO stopped selling point of use (POU) surge protectors about three years ago. When purchasing POU surge protectors look for the UL label marked 1449 and Type 3.

And when buying, the higher number of "joules" rating, the better.

[retiredguy123]

I would just ask, if these surge protectors are so inexpensive and offer cost effective protection against electrical surges and lightning, then why aren't they required by the electrical code? I believe that the reason is that they are not effective. They are just another way for the electric companies and contractors to make additional profit by making false claims. Most houses don't have them, and don't have significant damage to their appliances and electronics.

[Stu from NYC]

I would just ask, if these surge protectors are so inexpensive and offer cost effective protection against electrical surges and lightning, then why aren't they required by the electrical code? I believe that the reason is that they are not effective. They are just another way for the electric companies and contractors to make additional profit by making false claims. Most houses don't have them, and don't have significant damage to their appliances and electronics.

Wonder why they are not in fact required by code?

[Windguy]

Unplug what you don't want fried in a storm.
Millions of volts travelling many miles at supersonic speeds are not going to be stopped in their tracks by a made made device half the size of a shoebox. lol

I believe the issue isn’t how to protect your equipment from a rare direct hit by lightning, but how to protect it from common surges in the electrical grid. Surge suppression is a really good idea.

[Windguy]

Lady I spoke to says we get a warranty that covers lightning damage to all appliances but does not cover computers or TV.
Any good power-strip surge suppressor or UPS will include a warranty that covers anything plugged into it.

[retiredguy123]

I believe the issue isn’t how to protect your equipment from a rare direct hit by lightning, but how to protect it from common surges in the electrical grid. Surge suppression is a really good idea.
I agree that surge suppression is a good idea. But, that is the responsibility of the electric company, and they do a good job. But, telling homeowners that they need to buy an add-on device because the electrical system is inadequate doesn't make sense to me. If the surge device was really needed, it could easily be incorporated into the standard electrical panel and be required by code. The only evidence I have seen that you need a whole house surge protector is anecdotal evidence by people who already paid money for it. Where is the proof?

[johnadamsUSMC]

I agree that surge suppression is a good idea. But, that is the responsibility of the electric company, and they do a good job. But, telling homeowners that they need to buy an add-on device because the electrical system is inadequate doesn't make sense to me. If the surge device was really needed, it could easily be incorporated into the standard electrical panel and be required by code. The only evidence I have seen that you need a whole house surge protector is anecdotal evidence by people who already paid money for it. Where is the proof?
My co-instructor and I teach classes (mainly to the military worldwide). Here's a few comments:
1. Contrary to what we were always taught, lightning DOES NOT follow the "path of least resistance". It follows many paths "proportionately"
2. As one reader said, the best bet (but not the cheapest) is installing air gap terminals on the roof that'll be connected to a grounding electrode that's been thoroughly tested. That electrode will also need to be connected to the power company electrode (per code)
3. And finally, as someone said, NOTHING is going to TOTALLY eliminate all damages caused by a direct shot of lightning. Too much energy coming in.
4. Prayers are probably the closest to solving all your problems

[Lightning]

All utilities (electric, water, gas, telephone,CATV) are are only responsible for their service on their side of the meter. After the meter it is you the homeowner who is responsible. Every year there are residents who experience preventable damage to TVs, computers, appliances, garage door operators, etc. due to an indirect lightning strike without surge protection. It is up to you to do your own due diligence. Lightning is not addressed in the National Electric Code. It is addressed in NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems,2020, including surge protection. Healthcare and and educational facilities must comply under the building code. It is not required for residential properties but does provide sound guidance based on decades of experience with lightning. A good reference is University of Florida professor Dr. Martin Uman's book, The Art and Science of Lightning Protection. This book can be found in TV Belvedere Library.

[Stu from NYC]

All utilities (electric, water, gas, telephone,CATV) are are only responsible for their service on their side of the meter. After the meter it is you the homeowner who is responsible. Every year there are residents who experience preventable damage to TVs, computers, appliances, garage door operators, etc. due to an indirect lightning strike without surge protection. It is up to you to do your own due diligence. Lightning is not addressed in the National Electric Code. It is addressed in NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems,2020, including surge protection. Healthcare and and educational facilities must comply under the building code. It is not required for residential properties but does provide sound guidance based on decades of experience with lightning. A good reference is University of Florida professor Dr. Martin Uman's book, The Art and Science of Lightning Protection. This book can be found in TV Belvedere Library.

Thanks for the info. Interesting that Lightning would weigh in on Lightning:bigbow:

[Topspinmo]

In The Villages?


Yes, in the villages I see them all over. Digital antennas are unusual looking, nothing like the old Tv antennas of 50s.