Sure Seco could provide them free , not all people would need it. But with the amount of lightening strikes here during storms, I like the added protection for the monthly price of a daily Starbucks morning drink.

We did the same 10 years ago and have had zero issues. Pay in full and forget it. We spend more than that on other things and don't think twice about it. Worth the peace of mind in my opinion.

The previous owner of our home had one installed. We moved in in April and that summer we were introduced to a Florida Thunder storm. A neighbors house was hit by lightning strike that went through the roof. We lost two TV’s and the cable boxes. The cable company service person stated that the
serge protector should be backed up with single outlet prosecutors tha also cover the input cables. I installed them on all or electronic devices and have had no additional issue for the last two years.

I had one installed several years ago (a lot cheaper at the time) because after 20 service in the Navy (electronics) thought it was a good idea. Note, NOTHING covers every situation. I also have ALL our electronics in the house protected by individual surge protectors. So if we take a direct hit we'll only have to worry about the whole house burning down. Insurance covers that.

a whole house surge protector at the panel is just as good.

About $25 at HD easy install

I pay the $6.00 a month, also have my electronics plugged into APC UPSes. Lost a TV to lightning when I first moved here......

Lenart Electric installs a whole house surge protector for $195.

But with the Seco one we are protected before the surge will enter our house, the panel one is inside your home,.

Florida has some fantastic lightning strikes.

A complete waste of money. You do NOT need a surge protector for any household appliance or electronic device. I have never had any device damaged or its lifespan shortened and have always owned high-end AV equipment and computers. Maybe laboratories or a server farm would want them. Surge protectors are a good example of a business sector creating a fear which begets a need and then supplying the solution.

Couldn't find that..... could you please post the link?

With regard to lightning, the surge protector will only do any good if the lightning actually travels through the surge protector device from the outside. But, lightning damage often occurs when it strikes other areas of the house and causes electrical surges in the wiring, telephone, or other cable systems. In those cases, the surge protector is worthless.

Also, the SECO warranty says,

"Under no circumstances will MTI guarantee performance due to a lightning strike not carried down the utility power lines and through the utility transformer and then the SPD to the residence."

So, they are implying that the surge protector only works when lightning travels through one of the SECO transformers, not when it strikes your house.

I asked SECO a few years ago. They had ~ 35,000 surge protectors in service. They replace 5-6 a year.

I installed a whole house surge protector from Eaton in our house and a friends. About $100 on Amazon. Its connected directly to the panel and an easy DYI job with a number of YouTube videos to assist. Comes with a $75k protection warranty as well. The specific part number is EATON CHSPT2ULTRA. Enjoy!!

Life in the real world explained! lol:clap2::clap2: