[DALEPQ]

We are relatively new to T.V., our electrical is from SECO.
Just now, they are offering a free install for their surge protector (Save $25.)
Has anyone had experience with SECO's surge protector?? (Or other surge protectors?). What were the results??

[Stu from NYC]

We got one about two years ago. Never a problem but apparently no lightning strikes either.

People have since told us that the contract is written in a way they will not pay for any damage. See other threads about this for more info.

[Jayhawk]

Had one for 5+ years, and paid a monthly fee for it. Got lightning strike, lost both garage door openers, one TV, doorbell, and cable box (which Spectrum covered). Filed a claim with SECO and they said the strike didn't come through their lines and they would not cover it. Had the thing removed the next week.

[villagetinker]

We have one , there was a close in lightning strike just outside a neighbors backyard, maybe 100 feet from our house. Neighbor have several thousand dollars in damaged electrical equipment, we had nothing apparent. About 18 months later cable tv was getting real bad, the service drop cable to our house had failed apparently due to the strike. This would not have been prevented by the SECO device, but everything else in the house survived.

[Altavia]

It's a risk reduction, not protection . The warranty is marketing hype.

Best to also add local surge protector at high cost devices.

Some homes have gas lines in the attic. There were at least 6 strikes within a few miles of each other South of the Turnpike last year. Two hit gas lines in the attic near the meter.

A lightening protection system will further reduce the risk. Cost was not much more than our insurance deductable.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by DALEPQ

We are relatively new to T.V., our electrical is from SECO.
Just now, they are offering a free install for their surge protector (Save $25.)
Has anyone had experience with SECO's surge protector?? (Or other surge protectors?). What were the results??

In my opinion, it is a scam to increase the profit for the electric company. The cheap device is attached to the electric meter and the homeowner is charged a one time fee or a monthly rental fee. If the device were really needed, why don't they incorporate it into the meter in the first place? It is the electric company's responsibility to deliver safe, surge-free power to the house. Charging extra for an add-on surge protector is absurd. I won't buy one.

[dewilson58]

I have one.
Glad I have it.
But it's like a COVID shot, you'll never know if it works.

[Two Bills]

Warranties? Insurances?
Unfortunately, you never know their worth, until you make a claim!

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

I have one.
Glad I have it.
But it's like a COVID shot, you'll never know if it works.

If the green light turns red, it triggered.

Sort of like an airbag

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by Robbie0723

If the green light turns red, it triggered.

Sort of like an airbag

The Surge MitiGator™ is equipped with two red lights that stay on continuously which indicate the arrester is working properly.

[TommyT]

Get it and you'll sleep better knowing you're protected...

[Michael G.]

Some time ago I had a electrician tell me lightening can strike under ground,
through the air, and through any wiring into your house.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Some time ago I had a electrician tell me lightening can strike under ground,
through the air, and through any wiring into your house.

It does go wherever it wants but some protection I guess is better than none.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Some time ago I had a electrician tell me lightening can strike under ground,
through the air, and through any wiring into your house.

The situation you are talking about is called 'ground potential rise' and yes a close in strike can cause the ground potential to rise to very dangerous levels, and any conductive material (water pipes, plastic pipes with water, landscape lighting, ANY wiring, etc in this area can then conduct a surge into the house, this will NOT be protected by the SECO arrestor, or any arrestor installed in the circuit breaker panel. It can damage the first piece of equipment that it encounters, for example the water line to the refrigerator. Point of use protectors (UL 1449 I think) may provide some protection for some but not all of these types of surges.

[BigSteph]

Same.

Originally Posted by dewilson58

I have one.
Glad I have it.
But it's like a COVID shot, you'll never know if it works.