[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I am a retired professional electrical engineer, here is my humble opinion:
First, there is nothing you can install in or on your home to protect from a DIRECT STRIKE. Lightning protection system will limit the possibility of a fire, but will do very little for the surge associated with the DIRECT STRIKE.

The only guy I listen to.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

The only guy I listen to.

Smart person - both of you.





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[retiredguy123]

The SECO website has a detailed warranty written in legalese. Some things in it are:
It only covers lightning strikes that travel through the transformer and into the house through the SECO wiring. So, apparently, if the lightning strikes between the transformer and your house, you are not covered.
It does not cover electronics, only large appliances, such as washers, dryers, etc.
It only covers fair market value of the appliance, not replacement cost (how much is a used washer worth?)
It only covers what is not covered by your homeowners insurance (the deductible?)
The equipment manufacturer must determine that their equipment failed and caused damage to your appliance.
Very restrictive warranty. I don't think they expect to pay a lot of claims.

[villagetinker]

Retiredguy123, I agree with your statements, this is why I have several UL rated surge suppressors. Also, there was a previous thread (I think) about the failure to cover a claim for a refrigerator where the utility claimed the surge came in through the water line. I do not recall the details, but, yes I agree probably not a lot of claims paid.

[Chatbrat]

I am a retired electrical contractor, I have a surge protector that plugs into my panel , it takes the place of a two pole circuit breaker and a white wire connects to the neutral bar-very simple installation--I have seen a panel door blown open, the SECO, crew who came to my house said--my unit gave me the same protection as their's--bought mine @ Home Depot comes with a $25K policy

[autumnspring]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

I am a retired electrical contractor, I have a surge protector that plugs into my panel , it takes the place of a two pole circuit breaker and a white wire connects to the neutral bar-very simple installation--I have seen a panel door blown open, the SECO, crew who came to my house said--my unit gave me the same protection as their's--bought mine @ Home Depot comes with a $25K policy

You answered the question the way I would ask it. What have you done.

What is your suggestion re: lightening rods? If, I've followed all the posted information, attracting the lightening. We are about 1/4 mile form one of the water towers; probably the highest thing in the villages. I would assume it is regularly hit with lightening.
to a rod and directing it to a ground would create surges.

[rivaridger1]

I've seen the argument stating you really do not need lightning protection or whole house surge protection ( in the lightning capital of the USA ) because you have Homeowners insurance. Keep in mind every Homeowners policy will have a deductible and you will have to go though the claim process which is guaranteed not to lower your stress level. If I can avoid having to deal with damage to both my home and personal possessions by spending some money up front, to me it is a worthwhile investment. With that said, I had both a whole house surge protector and a lightning protection system installed in/on my house. Not an insignificant amount of money, but some significant peace of mind.

[Chatbrat]

another real problem if a close neighbor has lightning protection, his hit will go to the ground, which may affect you

[New Englander]

There is a lot for me to consider about this surge protection. I'm going to think about this before I do anything. Thanks to all for your input.

[Chatbrat]

More important than surge protection, is for a house with natural gas --is to make sure the flexible tubing used for gas is properly grounded and bonded

[FenneyGuy]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

During construction, I had a whole-house surge protector installed. An insurance policy. No monthly fee.

We have the same at our home in Apollo Beach. We had the TECO supplied surge protector at the meter for $7.95 / month. We had it removed soon after the whole house surge protector was installed at our breaker panel. I confirmed with the electrician that the rented protector was not necessary.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by New Englander

There is a lot for me to consider about this surge protection. I'm going to think about this before I do anything. Thanks to all for your input.

There have been past threads on this topic, try a search for more info, and probably some misinfo.
I have seen The Villages install lightning protection on many of their buildings. These systems do provide some level of protection for a direct lightning strike, however, they provide limited SURGE protection for stuff inside the house. So depending on what and how you trying to provide protection, you can determine if you need a whole house lightning protection system, or simply good surge protection.

There many arguments on both sides of the lightning protection system, so you are on the right track to get as much info as you can. One other idea I had, call your insurance company, and see what they say.

Hope this helps.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by karostay

3 Homes in the Villages 3 seco surge protectors.
Lightning capital of the US Plus outages are common.
Don't forget to add single surge protection to you appliances computers phone garage door openers and irrigation controller.
One ground lightning strike can prove to be expensive
Been there done that

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[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by FenneyGuy

We have the same at our home in Apollo Beach. We had the TECO supplied surge protector at the meter for $7.95 / month. We had it removed soon after the whole house surge protector was installed at our breaker panel. I confirmed with the electrician that the rented protector was not necessary.

TECO is the gas company.

[Dan9871]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

another real problem if a close neighbor has lightning protection, his hit will go to the ground, which may affect you

All lightning strikes go into the ground regardless of if you have protection or not.