Seco Surge Protector - buy or lease?
 

We just had our smart meter put in. We had a surge protector on it but they said it was damaged and out of warranty. It came with the house when we bought 2 years ago.

We have a surge protector in the garage at the box as well.

We want to replace the Seco surge protector but we’re unsure if we should buy it or lease it. Generally with these kind buy/lease options we buy.

Curios to hear thoughts on pros/cons for either before we call to talk to them. Primary thing we’re thinking that if we’re leasing it and it goes bad that Seco would replace it without any hassle?

We purchased it when we moved here 4 plus years ago and thought it made more sense to pay in full.
Regards

Stu

I think you are right, when it needs replacement SECO will replace leased one. I am thinking of getting one & I will lease. If we weren't were we are with such lightning, it would probably make sense to buy as it would last a while, around here, no telling.

Buy

Buy, unless you plan on moving in the next few years

We just bought ours---one and done.:agree:

Buy. The device is inexpensive when compared to what SECO wants for rent. Typical $135 to $185 at Home Depot. Add $150 for an election to install, and you're done.

Lease. A few bucks a month and the utility company will replace it if it is damaged (did its job). Plus, this unit is plain view. To check out the status of the unit. You put a surge protection device in your panel, you will have to take the panel off to check if it’s working or not. I haven’t heard if any of these units are wifi/bluetooth capable so you can check the status of the unit without opening up the panel.

There was a recent lightening strike to a local power distribution center that reportedly tripped circuit breakers in homes without protection. Maybe the lightening guys here have more info.

Secondary surge suppressors like the Eaton can be installed such that they are visible outside the panel.

Plus secondary surge suppressors are optimized to supress more common surges induced by nearby lightening strikes.

The SECO unit is optimized for power line surges as noted above. That's probably why their warranty excludes electronics in the home.

Does anybody know how many years the Seco surge protector protect your house before you would have to replace it.

The surge protector on the meter provides a different kind of protection than one on the meter. The meter protects surges that originate outside the home and the one on the panel protects against surges originating inside the home, typically near lightning strikes.

Ok, how much to buy the Seco meter device? How much will the power company charge to replace it when the time comes.
I’ve heard they have an indicator light, showing the health of the unit. It will eventually need to be replaced, as they degrade each time it takes a surge. How long this will take depends on the power of the surge.

I’ve heard leasing can cost $7-$10 a month. I would assume the unit would be replaced for free when needed.

The Seco, and most other surge protectors usually don't "wear out" or get too old.
They die in service. Meaning they protected your home. The reason you have it.
Hundreds in damage instead of thousands. Thanks !

Worth having both, on the meter, and on the circuit breaker box. They are for a slightly different scenarios.

Then, you will still need surge protectors inside to protect your delicate electronics which are more sensitive.
You need one at each outlet where electronics are plugged-in. TV, computers, , , It is impossible to protect everything.
That's why you need the less sensitive one on the circuit breaker box also.

previous Florida address:
I had a circuit board on my electric range blow. Yes, I know from a thunder storm, there was other damage.
Almost a thousand to fix it. I bought a new range.

You are confusing the two types of surge protectors. The one SECO puts on is called the Mitigator and is installed on the outside of your house on the meter box, which I have. It has a little red light that stays on all the time which tells you it’s working. ONLY SECO can install this device. This one protects against surges from the power source only, i.e. the substation. The one inside your breaker box blocks the surges from things like lightening strikes that “jump” lines and can cause surges within the box. That one you have to purchase and have installed. I had Pikes Electric do that — Eaton Ultra.

You are getting things mixed up in your answers...This may help!
 

https://youtu.be/PzO4Ak5tVuY

Be advised all protection devices are not the same. The cost is not a deciding factor. This is one area where you get what you pay for. With that said anything is better than nothing. The one I installed is not a DIY and one reason is because of the warranty that it has. Also, what is inside the box. Not the same as most units. You will learn from the video. Best of luck!