What is a Meter-Based Surge Protector?
A Meter-Based Surge Protector is a high-energy surge protection device that is installed directly behind the electric meter of your house. All power coming into your home runs through the Meter-Based Surge Protector, making it the first stage of protection against surges.
Will the Meter-Based Surge Protector protect all my equipment?
No, not by itself. The meter-based device offers excellent protection for non-electronic equipment such as dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, non-microwave ovens, air conditioners and pool pump motors. While the meter-based device offers protection from powerful surges, a small portion of a surge can still pass through interior wiring, where it can damage sensitive electronics. For these sensitive electronics we offer our premium plug-in protectors which are up to six times stronger than some found in retail stores.
Can I take it with me when I move?
The Meter-Based Surge Protector is rented, so you can simply request the program at the new residence. There will be a $44.95 cost for the installation that includes a grounding inspection and any needed electrical grounding repairs at the new residence. The $5.95 monthly fee continues as usual. If plug-in protectors were part of the original purchase, the customer can move them to the new location. If the installment billing on the plug-in protectors is not completed, payment will be required in full on the final bill.
How do I know if the device is still working?
Both our meter-based device and plug-in devices have indicator lights that let you know whether they are functioning properly. If these lights are not illuminated, be sure to call us at 1-888-999-8856.
Will the Meter-Based Surge Protector protect my home from a direct lightning strike?
The vast majority of lightning strikes occur nearby your home. These strikes may send surges into your home through electrical, cable or phone lines. Progress Energy's surge protection equipment is designed to protect against these common surges and strikes. Nothing can protect your home from a direct lightning strike, but the odds of lightning striking your home are very rare.
Will this stop the surges that cause my clocks and VCR to blink?
Blinking clocks and VCRs are caused by power interruptions, not electrical surges. Surge protection equipment will not reduce or prevent power interruptions.
What about protection for my computer/modem, cable television/VCR, answering machines?
These sensitive electronics are unique in that they have two or more sources of entry for a surge. It is critical that plug-in devices protect the lines connected to these electronic devices. Our premium plug-in devices offer both the standard electrical protection as well as the necessary phone, cable or satellite protection.
Will the power be turned off during installation?
Yes, generally the power will be off for less than 15 minutes. There is no way for the power to remain on while the installation is taking place. If you are home at the time of installation, the electrician may request you turn off any large equipment prior to their cutting the power at the meter.
Do I have to be home when this is installed?
No. Arrangements for the installation can be made at the time of purchase with the Progress Energy representative.
Is there a minimum amount of time that I must keep the Meter-Based Surge Protector at my house?
Yes. Progress Energy offers the Meter-Based Surge Protector for an initial term of 24 months. Termination by the customer of the meter-based protection service prior to the end of this initial term will result in a removal/termination fee of $60.
How will I be billed if I purchase surge protection equipment?
The charges will appear on the first or second electric bill you receive after purchase. The rented Meter-Based Surge Protector will appear as a recurring line item on the electric bill. The installation/grounding inspection charge will appear as a second line item on the bill and will be a one-time charge. The third line item will be for plug-in protectors and the cost can be spread over several months on the electric bill at no additional cost. Example: With tax included at 7 percent, there would be a rental charge for $6.37 on the first line and another line for the one time installation charge of $44.95 + tax, and a third line for any plug-in protectors purchased.
What if, at the time of installation, a grounding problem is discovered by the electrician doing the installation?
If the problem involves the telephone or cable TV ground, the customer may call their local phone or cable company to correct the problem, or Progress Energy's electrician may be able to repair the problem. If the problem is with the electrical ground,
the repair will be made at no extra charge.
If I rent a house or apartment am I eligible for this service?
Only property owners are eligible to participate. If a tenant wants the service, he/she should contact the owner to see if the owner is willing to have the charges billed to his/her account. The protection offered by the Meter-Based Surge Protector by itself would mainly benefit the owner of the major appliances (the property owner in most cases). Landlord approval is required for all meter-based surge protector installations on a rental property.
Will plug-in surge protectors work by themselves?
Unlike our meter-based device, which offers protection from powerful surges, plug-in devices are not designed to handle major power surges. Our premium plug-in devices are designed to stop the small portion of surges that may not be blocked by the meter-based device alone. These smaller surges aren't usually harmful to large appliances, but they can cause serious damage to sensitive electronics such as computers, TVs, phones and DVD players. If only plug-in devices are used and a house receives a substantial surge, the devices may not provide adequate protection.
Can I buy plug-in protectors if I don't have a Meter-Based Surge Protector?
The plug-in protectors are designed to function as a second stage of surge protection. The surge must pass through a heavy-duty protector (the meter-based surge protector) so that the plug-in devices won't be damaged. For this reason, Progress Energy strongly suggests that plug-in devices only be used with the Meter-Based Surge Protector.
Do I have to buy an individual plug-in protector for all my electronic equipment?
Based on the location of the electronic equipment, multiple items can be plugged into one protector. Items such as TVs, VCRs, computers and related equipment, microwave ovens, stereo equipment, garage door openers, and sprinkler system controls would be good candidates for plug-in protectors. While plug-in devices are recommended for all the sensitive electronics in a home, most customers choose only to purchase high quality plug-in protectors for their most expensive electronic equipment.
Won't a circuit breaker respond and protect the equipment?
A typical surge travels at (1/1000) of a second. Circuit breakers take approximately (17/100) to respond to excess current. Electrical surges will come and go before circuit breaker can operate.
What makes Progress Energy's plug-in devices superior to others on the market?
Progress Energy's premium plug-in devices offer:
- Up to six times the protection of some plug-in devices.
- Indicator lights that let you know if they're still functioning properly.
- Built-in safeguards. If damaged by a surge, our plug-ins automatically disconnect power to your equipment and will not allow secondary surges to damage your equipment.
- Plug-in devices have the flexibility of protecting not only electrical lines but phone, cable and satellite connection as well.
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