[CoachKandSportsguy]

i have a non Seco whole house surge protector, paid for and installed, and I work at a gas/electric utility company. The electrical grid has such built in protections from surges, that all one really has to worry about is a direct hit. its not like 30 years ago when I walked down the hall at work in Boca Raton and all you heard was click click click of computer surge protectors every afternoon.

but if buying one and or surge strips make you feel better, it won't hurt. . . .

sportsguy

[Stu from NYC]

A family down the block from us had a fire last week from a lightning strike.

Is there a way to protect your self from it?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

A family down the block from us had a fire last week from a lightning strike.

Is there a way to protect your self from it?

You can buy a lightning protection system, which would include a grid of lightning rods mounted on the roof and connected to a cable that would run down the exterior wall and into the ground. I don't know the cost, but it would be at least several thousands of dollars. It think most people would conclude that it is not worth the cost, but some people do have them.

[EdFNJ]

Our house came with one (fully pre-paid by original owner). It was bad when we moved it, had only 1 of 2 red indicators lit (both needed to be red). SECO replaced it for free.

[JoMar]

We have a whole house protector at the box then we have a Battery Backup UPS that covers the TV's and components and the computers. All the appliances, sprinkler system, HVAC etc. are covered by insurance

[thevillagernie]

should be a red light blinking on the unit installed outside on the wall,near were the power comes in ...??

[jammendolia]

Originally Posted by woolman44

Easiest way is to call Seco and have them check the history on your address.
I believe there is a red light on side of meter that indicates a surge protector is installed.

At night, you will see a red light on the side of your meter

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by jayerose

Before I call them, would there be a way to know if I already have it installed?

(a new resident)

There should be one or two red lights on your meter depending on which surge protector
is there. However, there is a monthly fee to SECO and you still have to have surge protectors on your devices in your home. Call SECO to get the details.

[72lions]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

I had one installed when we build. Ours is right under the utility box in the garage.

What you have is not from SECO.

[caljeff]

I had the SECO surge protector installed after I lost a record turntable motor due to a surge. As has been noted, there is a red light that can be seen on the base of the external meter. There is also a $5.95 charge on the bill.

[Jensor17]

I’m from Maryland. Never had T’storms like these. I learned a lesson now that my PC fried and won’t boot up as normal.
1. Old surge protectors are useless. Buy New Device strips with high Joules rating.
2. Turning off the TV or PC Isn't sufficient. Safer to unplug your TVs. Electronics PCs And plugIn after The storm
3. After my PC ceased Working,. The next SECO bill came with brochure offering whole house surge protection for $5.95 a month. Too little—too late!
4. SECO should have secured the necessary Surge equipment so EVERYONE IS COVERED /PROTECTED from Fire and electronic failures—instead of offering it to you as an ADD-ON!

[Frogfolly]

Check your bill. If you have a surge protector, you are paying for it.
In my case it is $5.95/month, billed as a separate item above the tax line.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Frogfolly

Check your bill. If you have a surge protector, you are paying for it.
In my case it is $5.95/month, billed as a separate item above the tax line.

Not necessarily. When we got ours a few months ago we elected to pay the cost in full.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Jensor17

I’m from Maryland. Never had T’storms like these. I learned a lesson now that my PC fried and won’t boot up as normal.
1. Old surge protectors are useless. Buy New Device strips with high Joules rating.
2. Turning off the TV or PC Isn't sufficient. Safer to unplug your TVs. Electronics PCs And plugIn after The storm
3. After my PC ceased Working,. The next SECO bill came with brochure offering whole house surge protection for $5.95 a month. Too little—too late!
4. SECO should have secured the necessary Surge equipment so EVERYONE IS COVERED /PROTECTED from Fire and electronic failures—instead of offering it to you as an ADD-ON!

I suggest reading the things that the SECO surge protector and their guarantee does not cover in Post No. 12. Computers and televisions and any device with a microchip are not covered or protected by the SECO device. In fact, SECO recommends, on their website, that you use individual surge protectors where you plug in electronic devices. Also, they don't even cover damage to your electrical system, wiring, outlets, etc.

[noslices1]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

There are other threads on this topic, with various opinions. Even SECO recommends installing point of use surge protectors. Their website says, "Members should consider the purchase of point-of-use devices to protect sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions." Also, their warranty was apparently written by a team of lawyers who are trying to exclude just about every type of damage you could experience. The power company is already spending millions of dollars to provide a consistent surge free service to your house. If a $300 device is really needed to prevent surges, why don't they build it into their electric service in the first place? I think it is just another way to increase profits. That is my opinion. But, if people think it is good, then they should buy it. I would rather depend on my homeowners insurance, which covers surge related damage. It would be interesting to see how much profit they make on these devices after paying the claims for damage.

When I moved to the Villages, I purchased a pre-owned, 5 year old home that purchased the SECO surge protector. They also supplied a box with inside surge protectors for individual items like computers. I think there were at least three.