[JTW]

I am considering buying the SECO lightning surge protection service that is offered for $299. Has anyone bought this package and has anyone had to put in a claim for appliance damage due to a power surge? I am wondering if they truly back their guarantee to replace appliances if they are damaged by a lightning strike. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[ijusluvit]

There are many threads about lightning protection including detailed personal experiences and recommendations. Go to the 'search' box and look under lightning protection and surge protection.
This is a very important topic in central Florida. I would not live in a home here, with gas service, that did not have a full exterior lightning rod protection system, and a separate surge protection system, (SECO or another reputable company). If I'm not mistaken, recently the seventh unprotected house in TV was destroyed in a matter of minutes by a lightning strike which ignited the attic gas line.

[Army Guy]

We just got it on ours. Theya re going to install within the next few weeks.

Army Guy

[Bob S]

Lenhart, Can you explain why SECO puts their device at the meter and yours is at the load center? What are the differences, advantages, disadvantages?
Thanks for any insight.

[Bob S]

Thanks for the response. Are both devices rated for similar surge protection?

[westom]

Originally Posted by Bob S

Lenhart, Can you explain why SECO puts their device at the meter and yours is at the load center? What are the differences, advantages, disadvantages?

Both do what every surge protector must do to be effective. Make that short (less than 10 foot) connection to single point earth ground. Every foot shorter that connection means even better protection. The location is first and foremost about making a connection to the electrode used by every incoming utility.

What determines the 'quality' of every surge protector is the earthing. Protector is only a connecting device. Earth ground is what dissipates the surge. This applies to every protector. A protector is only as effective as its earth ground.