FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Whole house surge protection – Worth it?

rasher | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on June 24, 2008 12:30pm

I’m handy enough that I can install a whole-house surge protector on my own, and it’d end up costing $200 or so for the equipment. Utility company wants $10 a month (forever) for the same thing.

Anyone have WH surge protection, and do you think its worth it? My insurance company will not offer a discount on my premium…

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. renosteinke | Jun 24, 2008 01:38am | #1

    It's your call.

    Just understand what you're trying to accomplish. You can't get the right answer if you ask the wrong question.

    The whole house surge suppressors are what you rely upon if there are fluctuations in the power supplied by the power company. These can be caused by everything from old. degenerating infrastructure to near misses of lightning strikes.

    However, many times the surge is caused by something in the home ... and the whole house unit is useless for those surges. For that, you need protection at the appliance.

    1. rasher | Jun 24, 2008 01:48am | #2

      I always assumed that surges mostly came from lightening strikes and such. We've never had a problem with surges in the past, but it wouldn't take too much electronic damage to make the first cost worth it.
      I wonder if it'd improve resale value at all...

    2. User avater
      BillHartmann | Jun 25, 2008 03:18pm | #6

      "However, many times the surge is caused by something in the home ... and the whole house unit is useless for those surges. For that, you need protection at the appliance."Not really.Little in the way of home appliances has enough energy to cause a significant surge. Most that I am thinking of, such as an AC, would be on their own circuit anyway.Now NOISE is a different issue.BTW, do you know how they are physically installed in the meter box? Are they built into the meter base? Do they use some kind of double lugging?Here we have forced pressure main sewer system that was retro fitted to replace a defective gravity feed system. The city worked with the POCO to tap off directly at the meter. And they have a separate breaker mounted in the control box or if that is not near the meter a separate box for the CB.At the time that this was done the city WAS NOT the AHJ. That was done by the homeowners association. And much of the work was not right. The conduit often surfaces or only a couple of inches deept..
      .
      A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

      1. renosteinke | Jun 25, 2008 04:42pm | #7

        You forget the most destructive cause ... a loose neutral connection on a shared neutral connection. This can be any neutral connection from the Poco transformer to the point where the circuits separate.

        1. DanH | Jun 25, 2008 05:17pm | #8

          Nothing (other than a full power conditioning setup) can protect you from an open neutral. It's not enough voltage to trip a surge protector, and would burn out the protector without clearing the hazard if the protector did trip.Surge protectors are intended to protect against brief transients of several hundred volts, caused either by lightning or (very rarely) by motors being switched off.It so happens that a whole-house protector can protect (to a degree) against surges that enter the system through points other than the service entrance, though point-of-use protectors are better for such surges. In general a whole-house unit will be slower acting than a point-of-use unit, but able to handle a larger surge. So the two work in a complementary fashion.
          It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

          1. renosteinke | Jun 25, 2008 06:04pm | #9

            I have seen quite a few instances where point-of use electronics ... be they surge suppressing outlet strips, GFI's, or other items ... have 'sacrificed' themselves, and in the process protected more expensive appliances from the higher voltages that result from an open / intermittent neutral. That's what it comes down to: do want to fry a $5 surge suppressor, or an $800 stereo? That's my point: while a 'whole house' system has it's uses, it is not a replacement for point-of-use protection. As for the causes of the bad neutral, I've seen everything from a bad splice at the PoCo transformer, to a cracked neutral lug at the main service disconnect, to a loose wire in a crowded junction box.

          2. DanH | Jun 25, 2008 07:09pm | #10

            Most surge protectors aren't going to trigger at under 200V, and an open neutral can't produce more than 240V. When surge strips do trigger they'll short and blow the internal fuse if the transient lasts longer than a few milliseconds. Generally the internal fuse will blow before the circuit breaker does.Open neutral conditions are quite rare, yet you've seen "quite a few" where surge strips have mysteriously "protected expensive appliances". You must be the Jessica Fletcher of open neutrals.
            It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

          3. renosteinke | Jun 25, 2008 08:07pm | #11

            Well, I can't help it if history is in conflict with theory. Trip? Fuse? Nonsense ... the electronics die. Permanently. Usually by letting the smoke out. As for the voltage level ... well, open the neutral, and exceeding 200 is quite easy; it all depends on the resistance of the load on the other 'leg.' Several? I have no idea who Jessica is, but folks call me when things don't work. That's my business. Usually after lots of appliances have died. Other times, you see strange things ... like the shop whose lights got brighter, and 'non-functioning' lights came on, when the table saw operated. Oddly enough, these problems tend to arise when "trade practices" are dispensed with, and replaced by an 'it works, don't it' mentality. "Risk management" is what you call one's approach to the challenges in life. Can things happen? Certainly. So, what's your next move? That's not so easy to answer. The fact remains that I've only encountered one high voltage transient situation that was on the PoCo side of the meter. Add to that one that was at the main disconnect. Every other one was on the customers' premises .... including one that I inadvertently caused when opening a neutral that was (unknown to me) shared with other circuits. That 'oops' cost me $600 to fix. Our OP wants to know id 'whole house' surge protection is worth it. I can't answer that question .... but I can alert him to the very real situations I've seen, that would not be addressed by the 'whole house' gizmo.

          4. User avater
            FatRoman | Jun 29, 2008 01:07am | #14

            You must be the Jessica Fletcher of open neutrals.

            I have nothing to add, except to say that was one of the funniest lines I've seen here. Thanks for the Saturday laugh.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb

  2. DanH | Jun 24, 2008 01:50am | #3

    Whole house surge units come in several flavors, from a dummy double-pole breaker to a separate box you attach to the breaker panel to a unit that fits behind the meter.

    We have two, one behind-the-meter unit that I think is an old gas discharge unit and another dummy breaker unit. Don't know if they work but we've had no apparent lightning-caused damage via the power lines since the first unit was installed ca 20 years ago. Have three times had damage come in via phone line or cable, though. (Finally put the cable on its own surge and no trouble since.)

    Note that the risetime of whole house units is usually poorer than point-of-use units, so you still benefit from point-of-use units on expensive equipment.

    It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May
  3. Jay20 | Jun 25, 2008 06:26am | #4

    My house has been hit 4 times. The first was a TV aerial. I had it grounded, fried the aerial no issues in the house. The next time lighting hit the transformer on the pole that feeds the house. The wire ran near a tree next to the house that took most of the damage, but blew out some plugs and a TV. Next time lighting hit neat my shed which has a grounding rod to the subpanel in there. The shock blew out all GFI plugs in the shed and fed back to the house and blew the breaker-disconnect to the shed off the wall. The last one hit my vent pipe in the roof (older house copper vent pipe) and fed through the metal plumbing which has the main panel ground connected to it. Did not hurt the plumbing. Blew out all telephones, some plugs,the intercom system, the security system, computer, and the controls to some powered skylights. I had installed thermax on the backside of my wood garage doors the lighting fed down the foil and blew a hole in the garage floor about the size of a fist. Also a 2" hole in the roof. After $5000.00 later and a lot of hassles I installed lighting rods on the roof and had the utility install a surge protector. The $10.00 fee also covers my insurance deductible if struck again. To say the least I turn everything off in all electrical storms.

  4. User avater
    BillHartmann | Jun 25, 2008 02:48pm | #5

    I just got a flyer from MoPub. Then only want %5.95. Don't remember if they offered "insurance" or not.

    First how exposed or you? At the top of a hill and the highest object by 50 ft for anything within a 100 ft?

    Or down in a valley with everything a 50 ft higher than you?

    But as Jay said lightning can be very unpredictable.

    I installed one hanging off the panel manybe 10 years ago. Never had any problems afterwards or BEFORE.

    .
    .
    A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
  5. freestate1 | Jun 25, 2008 08:27pm | #12

    As has been pointed out, best practice is to use both panel and point of use surge suppressors.  Even then, it's not a failsafe combination.  We've suffered two direct or nearly-direct strikes.  In both cases, the proximity of the strike induced current in the circuits downstream of the panel, frying various electronic devices despite the presence of panel suppressors.  In my experience, the $10 point-of-use surge suppressors aren't capable of arresting the voltage of a direct strike. 

    1. jrnbj | Jun 29, 2008 01:00am | #13

      "In my experience, the $10 point-of-use surge suppressors aren't capable of arresting the voltage of a direct strike."Seems surprising. Do you think the point of use suppressors are just to primative to work as advertised? I haven't taken on apart, so I have no idea how they implement current/voltage overload protection-and I suppose there are variations....

    2. TJK | Jun 29, 2008 03:17am | #15

      "In my experience, the $10 point-of-use surge suppressors aren't capable of arresting the voltage of a direct strike. "Exactly. Nothing will protect sensitive equipment from a direct lightning strike. The currents and induced voltages are too high for normal wiring and insulation to handle, and even an expensive "whole house" surge suppressor will likely fail to stop the damage. Physically disconnecting (unplug it) the device is probably the best bet in a situation where a direct strike might occur.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A Practical Perfect Wall

Getting the details right for a wall assembly with the control layers to the exterior and lots of drying potential.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 695: Saving Bricks, Cut-and-Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data