[Chatbrat]

The green light is on the surgery protector--it indicates your system is protected--if the green light is out--replace the surge protector

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by CWGUY

Surge Protection – SECO Energy



I elected to rent mine. If it takes a hit it's toast. I'll rent another one. Still use point of use protection as well.

If you buy it it's warranted for life. Our home had the SECO meter mounted unit when we purchased it earlier this year. It was a prepaid unit (not rented) purchased by the previous owner and is fully warranteed for life in fact they just replaced mine because it must have taken a hit because one of the 2 lights on it were out so you don't need to buy or rent a new one if it gets hit.


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[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

If you buy it it's warranted for life. Our home had the SECO meter mounted unit when we purchased it earlier this year. It was a prepaid unit (not rented) purchased by the previous owner and is fully warranteed for life in fact they just replaced mine because it must have taken a hit because one of the 2 lights on it were out so you don't need to buy or rent a new one if it gets hit.


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Thank you!

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

I'm retired electrical contractor--all you have to do is buy a compatible 2 pole surge protector that will plug into your panel--it takes the space that a typical 2 pole circuit breaker does and one wire is connected to the neutral bar--a very simple installation--approx $50=$65 and you get $25k -$50k protection-- it does the same thing that SECO 's unit does--any good handyman or a neighbor who is comfortable & knows how to replace a circuit breaker can install it

As a retired electrical contractor that you claim to be, I find it appalling you'd suggest a handyman or neighbor remove a breaker panel cover and install the surge protector you're recommending. Foolish and irresponsible advice.

[biker1]

Just be aware that these devices will not protect any of your equipment from a close lightning strike that hops onto a cable entering your house. This is much different than power surges that may originate far from your house. Also, the insurance associated with these devices will probably not cover you for a close lightning strike. Be sure to read the small print on the insurance as you may find language that states you have coverage if the device doesn't perform as designed. These devices aren't designed to handle close lightning strikes. Your home owner's insurance policy will probably cover damage (after your deductible).

Originally Posted by HiHoSteveO

To the OP, if you do a search (above) here for "surge suppression" many threads will appear that also discuss all this.

Having surge suppression is probably a good idea.

Here's a short video to help (I hope).
Protect Your Home From Dangerous Lightning Strikes!

Last year I went for the electrical circuit panel mounted type installed by Lenhart Electric. I got the best one they offer which was $275. installed. Also use individual point of use for microwave, irrigation timer, TV, etc.
Surge Protection - Lenhart Electric Company

Maybe someday will "buy" the SECO meter mounted one but haven't done so yet.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by photo1902

As a retired electrical contractor that you claim to be, I find it appalling you'd suggest a handyman or neighbor remove a breaker panel cover and install the surge protector you're recommending. Foolish and irresponsible advice.

I don't agree. Chatbrat suggested a good way to save money and it's not that difficult. I added one myself a few years ago.

The real culprit here in Florida is ground strike lightning coming though the phone or cable. That'll take out anything connected to either (like TVs and Computers). Homeowners insurance won't cover that $2,000 item.

The BEST thing to do is shut down your Computer(s) and TV(s), unplug the power from the wall, AND unplug the coax cables too. Do this BEFORE any storm approaches or when you're going to be away. Then you're isolated from both power surges AND lightning strikes for expensive items.

Some years ago, a lightning strike took out many TVs and Computers on our block. Ours were the only ones that survived. We did lose the splitters over the garage however. Much cheaper fix than buying new HD-TVs and Desktop Computers and all their files.

Skip

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Skip

I don't agree. Chatbrat suggested a good way to save money and it's not that difficult. I added one myself a few years ago.

The real culprit here in Florida is ground strike lightning coming though the phone or cable. That'll take out anything connected to either (like TVs and Computers). Homeowners insurance won't cover that $2,000 item.

The BEST thing to do is shut down your Computer(s) and TV(s), unplug the power from the wall, AND unplug the coax cables too. Do this BEFORE any storm approaches or when you're going to be away. Then you're isolated from both power surges AND lightning strikes for expensive items.

Some years ago, a lightning strike took out many TVs and Computers on our block. Ours were the only ones that survived. We did lose the splitters over the garage however. Much cheaper fix than buying new HD-TVs and Desktop Computers and all their files.

Skip

Skip.

I respect your advice mightily. But practically every day for months we get thunderstorms and they are usually in the afternoon. That seems almost impossible to do because it would be difficult to know when to unplug and replug.

[Chatbrat]

In order to really protect additional TV's , computers ,etc. power them via a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) you will need several--but with the panel surge & a ups your just about bullet proof

[biker1]

This is absolute nonsense. Unless you are buying commercial grade equipment, a close lightning strike will take out a lot of your appliances. Bullet-proof - what a joke. There is no such thing as bullet-proof unless you are buying commercial grade equipment (and even that is questionable).

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

In order to really protect additional TV's , computers ,etc. power them via a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) you will need several--but with the panel surge & a ups your just about bullet proof

[Chatbrat]

go to best buy and see what they have and look at the insurance which is part of the package-again a person who knows what they are doing and the big word is KNOWS--should have no problem taking the cover off of a panel & plugging in the equivalent of a 2 pole breaker

[biker1]

So what equipment are you going to buy at BestBuy that is going to handle 100K amps? Seriously, dude, do you have any idea what you are talking about? The insurance is worded to protect to the design specs of the device. This is really laughable.

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

go to best buy and see what they have and look at the insurance which is part of the package-again a person who knows what they are doing and the big word is KNOWS--should have no problem taking the cover off of a panel & plugging in the equivalent of a 2 pole breaker

[Fanman]

The SECO unit also warranties against lost of appliances up to $5000.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Skip

I don't agree. Chatbrat suggested a good way to save money and it's not that difficult. I added one myself a few years ago.

The real culprit here in Florida is ground strike lightning coming though the phone or cable. That'll take out anything connected to either (like TVs and Computers). Homeowners insurance won't cover that $2,000 item.

The BEST thing to do is shut down your Computer(s) and TV(s), unplug the power from the wall, AND unplug the coax cables too. Do this BEFORE any storm approaches or when you're going to be away. Then you're isolated from both power surges AND lightning strikes for expensive items.

Some years ago, a lightning strike took out many TVs and Computers on our block. Ours were the only ones that survived. We did lose the splitters over the garage however. Much cheaper fix than buying new HD-TVs and Desktop Computers and all their files.

Skip

You don't agree with what? Letting a neighbor or handyman in to your electric panel? If you find a handyman that'll do it, more power to you. Hopefully they're a licensed electrician. If not, run, don't walk from hiring them.

[biker1]

Read the warranty, in detail.

Originally Posted by Fanman

The SECO unit also warranties against lost of appliances up to $5000.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by Skip

I don't agree. Chatbrat suggested a good way to save money and it's not that difficult. I added one myself a few years ago.



The real culprit here in Florida is ground strike lightning coming though the phone or cable. That'll take out anything connected to either (like TVs and Computers). Homeowners insurance won't cover that $2,000 item.



The BEST thing to do is shut down your Computer(s) and TV(s), unplug the power from the wall, AND unplug the coax cables too. Do this BEFORE any storm approaches or when you're going to be away. Then you're isolated from both power surges AND lightning strikes for expensive items.



Some years ago, a lightning strike took out many TVs and Computers on our block. Ours were the only ones that survived. We did lose the splitters over the garage however. Much cheaper fix than buying new HD-TVs and Desktop Computers and all their files.



Skip

In theory that is the best idea but in practice you'll go out of your mind plugging and unplugging every time a storm is supposed to roll by. Really not practical but still good advice.

And to the other poster: As far as changing a breaker in a panel just because you have an electricians license does not necessarily make you any better or smarter than someone who knows how to remove a few screws and handle electricity. Yes, it will keep electricians employed but isn't always really necessary. IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING it really is no more difficult than many other DIY projects. If you have doubt, don't do it. I rewired virtually my entire home up north over the years, installed outlets, fuse panels and much other stuff. Also did my own plumbing including water heaters, sinks and copper piping and most auto repairs.

If you learn how to do it by doing some reading and watching you can be just as good as any licensed electrician, mechanic or plumber and save lots of money.

I do repeat though, if you're no comfortable doing it DON'T because you can kill yourself.


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