Important information on surge protection for your home

[jrref]

This topic has been discussed before but regardless, I'm getting an overwhelming number of reports where Villagers are not aware of the facts on this topic.

If lightning strikes your home or if it strikes near by, your home's electrical system can get an Induced Power Surge which is a temporary, very fast increase in voltage that can damage and or destroy electrical devices, appliances, etc.. This is very common during severe storms like we have been getting here in Central Florida lately.

The only way to prevent and or manage these power surges is by installing surge protectors.

Many here in the Villages have the surge protector provided by the power utility installed at your meter. This is a necessary layer of surge protection but many here in the Villages incorrectly believe this device is all that they need to protect their home. This surge protector is designed to primarily block and or manage power very large surges coming from the power utility. If you read the fine print in their warranty you will see it doesn't cover any devices with an electronic chip installed which is almost everything we have in our home these days. In addition to this Type-1 primary surge protector you also need a Type-2 primary surge protector installed at your circuit breaker panel to block and or manage surges coming from everywhere else. A licensed electrician can install an Eaton Ultra or PSP Vortex surge protector at your circuit breaker panel. These surge protector's warranty states they do cover devices with an electronic chip and these protectors do work. In addition, you need Type-3 point-of-use surge protection at all your sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, TVs, etc..

As discussed in many other TOTV threads, there have been many Villager's reporting they had significant power surge damage only having the surge protector at the meter installed not knowing additional surge protection was needed. Nothing is 100% but having a layered surge protection system installed in your home will reduce the risk of significant damage if you home is subjected to an Induced power surge from a lightning event.

For more information see this link -> Nextdoor (https://nextdoor.com/g/m3h0uzuyn/)

[gorillarick]

Sounds more like an advertisement than the start of a discussion.

[VAtoFLA]

Thanks @jrref very informative. Do you have a type 2 yourself? Do you know the ballpark cost of such a thing?

[Ignatz]

Thanks @jrref very informative. Do you have a type 2 yourself? Do you know the ballpark cost of such a thing?

We just had the Eaton installed by Pikes.

Simple job for the pro’s. Install looks good.

Their summer promotion just ended where the price was $525.

[Boffin]

Surge protection/mitigation layers:

Type 1 external power supply into breaker panel
Type 2 internal power supply out of breaker panel
Type 3 individual device power supply considerations:

Air Conditioner
Mini Split
Active/in use coaxial cable outlets
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Washer
TVs
Computers and printers

[jrref]

Surge protection/mitigation layers:

Type 1 external power supply into breaker panel
Type 2 internal power supply out of breaker panel
Type 3 individual device power supply considerations:

Air Conditioner
Mini Split
Active/in use coaxial cable outlets
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Washer
TVs
Computers and printers


Excellent!

[jrref]

Thanks @jrref very informative. Do you have a type 2 yourself? Do you know the ballpark cost of such a thing?

I have everything.

Call Dave at Lake Deaton Electric for the Eaton Ultra Type2 protector at your circuit breaker panel.

[metoo21]

Don't forget:
Dishwasher
Garage Door Opener(s)
120v outlet for gas dryer
120v outlet for gas stove
Your modem and router if they aren't on a UPS.

Here is my list.

The Meter Treater from Leesburg electric for Type 1

FHSPD140 Whole House Surge Protector (https://www.amazon.com/FHSPD140-Protector-Protection-Device-Outdoor/dp/B0DJ1J3JJH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15YT88FIZVXJ1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zU5-t9DJbtE87nFJ5DTONAPaXbTztPShGFq-Np5iwGqOSKUsj9L9IbgkziI_ld1OdwZ8s2NUtx1lOQ5UlZA7ZJ PDKtJEbRoYmvwjXAwn2UjPwZjTqNsaAg7IwbQcqqTdXvSegBfE uHq2xI8DsdaUALPjvHmzFcbOgYruYahVUGYvrCKFXpNGqiUStk G3SQd7qEPltfLUh3I6I4llOUPrIjXDNpyPNPyybvPoDg85zDU. rKKqGDL7KFpSbBWnRMWQoOzw71R2Clr0rOCg82iGO3w&dib_tag=se&keywords=fs140%2Bsiemens%2Bsurge%2Bprotector&qid=1756049027&sprefix=FS140%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1&th=1) for Type 2

I use a UPS for TVs, computers and printers

Intermatic CD1-024R Compressor Defender (https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-CD1-024R-Compressor-Conditioner-Compressors/dp/B00L2HW9YK/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1O4I589BA7Y2A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RzdmOMT2Wiz78d-qfz3VLozvYrTHCmaDjTOqBmo8i9q_qWpdXas2xj2pzXzcZOzAt 4DwHOzMCnqTqFx2RewEirTSHLXS78oKztzQYd3aquUuX9Hv9Dn HPZ7V5TtVf2WQP8QwaTvFFpSaB6mKuVPlxWhnOw782_rFF3cAl ybh0OVoPlXK5mWstltcjhp2jaXYZGlWdJyrsSlp5hV8GCP4ILE YpmngU_Jl73oCCh9VuV4.fErFdzQoWJQmKqMvstUkbYWs9yi9U kCkPIKQ2EcJKK8&dib_tag=se&keywords=intermatic+surge+protector&qid=1756049314&sprefix=Intermatic+surge%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-9) for HVAC

PSP GSP-50 (https://www.pspproducts.com/generacr-surge-protector-board-200a-transfer-switch/?queryID=1bf89052ca3060ef84f76ab4e9b2213c&objectID=2122080&indexName=prod_psp_psp_store_view_products) for the ATS on our whole house generator

And GE UltraPro Surge Protector Plug with Alarm (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079945QC4?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_3&th=1) for 120v appliances. Currently have 9 installed.

I hope I have everything covered.

[retiredguy123]

For the record, I have nothing, except the plug-in surge protectors at my electronics, like computers and televisions. No other surge protection or lightning protection. I am not convinced that these items are worth the cost. But I do have homeowner's insurance.

Note that some people think that all power strips are surge protectors. They are not.

[jrref]

Don't forget:
Dishwasher
Garage Door Opener(s)
120v outlet for gas dryer
120v outlet for gas stove
Your modem and router if they aren't on a UPS.

Here is my list.

The Meter Treater from Leesburg electric for Type 1

FHSPD140 Whole House Surge Protector (https://www.amazon.com/FHSPD140-Protector-Protection-Device-Outdoor/dp/B0DJ1J3JJH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15YT88FIZVXJ1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zU5-t9DJbtE87nFJ5DTONAPaXbTztPShGFq-Np5iwGqOSKUsj9L9IbgkziI_ld1OdwZ8s2NUtx1lOQ5UlZA7ZJ PDKtJEbRoYmvwjXAwn2UjPwZjTqNsaAg7IwbQcqqTdXvSegBfE uHq2xI8DsdaUALPjvHmzFcbOgYruYahVUGYvrCKFXpNGqiUStk G3SQd7qEPltfLUh3I6I4llOUPrIjXDNpyPNPyybvPoDg85zDU. rKKqGDL7KFpSbBWnRMWQoOzw71R2Clr0rOCg82iGO3w&dib_tag=se&keywords=fs140%2Bsiemens%2Bsurge%2Bprotector&qid=1756049027&sprefix=FS140%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1&th=1) for Type 2

I use a UPS for TVs, computers and printers

Intermatic CD1-024R Compressor Defender (https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-CD1-024R-Compressor-Conditioner-Compressors/dp/B00L2HW9YK/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1O4I589BA7Y2A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RzdmOMT2Wiz78d-qfz3VLozvYrTHCmaDjTOqBmo8i9q_qWpdXas2xj2pzXzcZOzAt 4DwHOzMCnqTqFx2RewEirTSHLXS78oKztzQYd3aquUuX9Hv9Dn HPZ7V5TtVf2WQP8QwaTvFFpSaB6mKuVPlxWhnOw782_rFF3cAl ybh0OVoPlXK5mWstltcjhp2jaXYZGlWdJyrsSlp5hV8GCP4ILE YpmngU_Jl73oCCh9VuV4.fErFdzQoWJQmKqMvstUkbYWs9yi9U kCkPIKQ2EcJKK8&dib_tag=se&keywords=intermatic+surge+protector&qid=1756049314&sprefix=Intermatic+surge%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-9) for HVAC

PSP GSP-50 (https://www.pspproducts.com/generacr-surge-protector-board-200a-transfer-switch/?queryID=1bf89052ca3060ef84f76ab4e9b2213c&objectID=2122080&indexName=prod_psp_psp_store_view_products) for the ATS on our whole house generator

And GE UltraPro Surge Protector Plug with Alarm (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079945QC4?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_3&th=1) for 120v appliances. Currently have 9 installed.

I hope I have everything covered.

You do the only thing extra you can install is surge protection on your HVAC, and pool and spa equipment.

[metoo21]

As listed above, I have the Intermatic compressor defender on HVAC. No pool or spa equipment.

[jrref]

As listed above, I have the Intermatic compressor defender on HVAC. No pool or spa equipment.

That's good. Intermatic makes one for the pool disconnect as well for those who have that equipment.

[bmcgowan13]

Don't forget:

garage door opener
microwave
dishwasher
dryer

And GE UltraPro Surge Protector Plug with Alarm (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079945QC4?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_3&th=1) for 120v appliances. Currently have 9 installed.

I hope I have everything covered.

Our overhead garage door opener had to be replaced (defective--not lightning) and the tech recommended a plug like this for our garage door openers. I didn't realize there were different types.

I *just* had these delivered by Amazon yesterday..Didn't read your post until today. Are these sufficient? Or should I reorder the 1800 joule from GE?


Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q3DJL3W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1)

[metoo21]

What I listed was 1080 joule. The one in your link is 245 joule. I'd go with the higher joule. Also be aware that you may need to spread the prongs out just a little to stay plugged in while hanging from the ceiling.

[jrref]

Our overhead garage door opener had to be replaced (defective--not lightning) and the tech recommended a plug like this for our garage door openers. I didn't realize there were different types.

I *just* had these delivered by Amazon yesterday..Didn't read your post until today. Are these sufficient? Or should I reorder the 1800 joule from GE?


Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q3DJL3W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1)

Generally, the more joules the better but surge protection is a layered system. If you have an Eaton Ultra or PSP Vortex whole house surge protector installed at your circuit breaker panel, pretty much anything will help.

I have used and prefer these plug-in cubes. Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Single-SurgeCube-Protector-F9H100-CW/dp/B00006BBAB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2EAEPO75WU1WY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HFuKbmH9Ae042dhC1-Leq_3H07bDTIJSIs77TTM8J1z-r37-laOmrHoJ2IaoLETm_nn6GOmNh6FPng4BJm_27dxtcbZGCv9d6a m5CpOQ3IE-0ZyxbgegxilcAtJAPq40u6B9z-mR2YMMdSsS00A4xOE5rya3HjounJRz6WcYTd8LQ_bjhQxGuWXZ iSTOV9T9ZSGY2KOsnf5xTvriN83Exk-D5sQhkOFGJVXCLeHA2uNBp3A9EjZH8oYWHJJ38AX4eFj3r4ruZ OlxZP8La-XkTZS6E171Dc6LLmWSeTJu_wc.embGyyjcL7HcPZdfoWaGO1gI AVVt1YsCqcJSuH-_ZTA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Single%2BSurge%2BProtector%2BPlug&qid=1756127910&s=electronics&sprefix=single%2Bsurge%2Bprotector%2Bplug%2Celectr onics%2C92&sr=1-5&th=1)

I forgot to mention, it's not only the amount of joules but also the clamping voltage of the device. Always get one that conforms to UL 1449 safety standards