Minor voltage fluctuations are normal on any electrical system and typically are harmless. However, a power “surge” or “transient” is when there is a rapid rise in the voltage and flow of power, which usually causes damage (often unseen). A surge or transient surge is a spike in voltage that typically lasts for less than 1/60th of a second. Surges are a significant contributor to poor power quality. Surges increase the electrical stress on connected equipment, no matter the source. The cumulative effect of repeated small surges (or perhaps one large surge) may cause undesirable operation at best, and complete device failure at worst.

Downed power lines, accidents involving power lines, lightning and other weather events, birds, squirrels or other animals coming in contact with power lines, poor wiring, and even the normal cycling on and off of large appliances or equipment can cause a momentary surge that can be damaging to your household equipment.

Homes today are network environments where all kinds of electromechanical devices have to share a common ground and, in many cases, interact with other types of equipment. In order to prevent high magnitude surge currents from entering a home’s electrical wiring, it is necessary to install a surge protection device (SPD) at the power entrance or electric meter to the home. The MB-SPD at electric meter is your first line of defense against these disruptive and damaging surges that couple on to power lines and flow directly into the home. Like the seatbelt in your car, surge protection is there to lower risk and minimize damage. Because there are other areas that a surge can enter your home and surge generators inside the home, it is recommended that secondary protection also be used throughout the home.

MB-SPD is a primary Type 1 listed surge protector for use in an IEEE category C, the area from the load side of the utility transformer to the main breaker located on the home.

Surge Guard Meter-Based SPD uses large diameter MOVs (metal oxide varistors) as the surge suppression element. This technology has seen decades of use and has been field proven for performance and longevity. MOVs are cost-effective and provide the necessary reaction time and energy handling to protect the electric service entrance of a modern home. The MOVs in the meter-based SPD react within nanoseconds and have a joule rating of 2000 joules per phase (for IEEE Category C).

MB-SPD protects against surges that come down power lines and enter byway of the electric meter. This device (like any other surge protection product) is not designed to handle direct or nearby lightning strikes, will not prevent a power outage or save energy. Devices making such claims are likely a scam and should be avoided. To date, no one product can completely protect you from all the forces of nature!
Note: A Meter-Based SPD alone may not provide enough protection for your electronic equipment. Electronic equipment is becoming more complex and sensitive to power surges. Surges can enter via phone, cable or internet lines and other paths. For this reason, we highly recommend using both a meter-based SPD for general protection and quality point-of-use SPDs for added protection for costly and sensitive electronic equipment such as TVs, DVD players, garage door openers, and computer systems.

The MB-SPD can only prevent power line surges that come in through the power line. It cannot prevent surges that enter through other paths like phone lines, cable TV or internet lines, or outdoor electric circuits (i.e. well pumps, driveway lights, pool pumps, sprinkler systems etc.). It is not designed to handle direct or nearby lightning strikes. It will not prevent power outages, sustained/continuous over or under voltages, harmonics, or RFI/EMI noise.

No. Nothing is a complete guarantee from a direct lightning strike. No product on the market can effectively handle such a high level of energy.

No! With more than a quarter of a century of service and millions of circuits in the field there has never been an incident involving a life or health issue. However; with the severe and unpredictable nature of the weather, there can be no assurances that damage from a direct lightning strike or other such event will not adversely impact a residence.

No! There is no meter-based SPD technology available on the market that is capable of lowering an electric bill by as much as one cent.

Meter-based SPDs are uniquely designed products, unlike most other devices on the market, because they connect directly in series with the incoming power line and install in the meter can. This enables them to intercept surges before they can ever enter the residence.

No. The MB-SPD will self-sacrifice if affected by a surge larger than its rating. When this happens, the SPD goes off line. The Meter-Based SPD will not cut off power to your house but the unit will become inactive. If the device fails, the RED indicator lights at the meter base will go off. In the unlikely event of this happening, the SPD will need to be replaced.

The number, duration and intensity of surges that the device sees over its lifetime determines the lifespan of a surge protection device. However, if the Surge Guard MB-SPD fails, Palmetto Electric will replace it free of charge as long as you continue to pay the monthly service fee.

The MB-SPD status light(s) are RED not green. Red lights are easier to see in bright sunlight. The red status lights indicate that the unit is working normally. If you notice that one of the red lights is off, please contact Palmetto Electric for service.

No, the SPD does not provide backup power nor will it prevent power outages. It is designed only to help prevent power line surges that could cause damage to appliances and equipment within your home. However, the Surge Guard program offers UPS systems that can provide backup power for critical point-of-use applications.

No. Surge Guard is NOT an insurance program.

Yes. The MB-SPD utilized through the Surge Guard program is backed by the Manufacturer’s (M-Ti) Residential Extended Surge Suppressor Limited Warranty. This warranty covers consequential damage to “standard residential equipment”. Coverage up to $5000 per occurrence is available only for damage caused by a power line surge that passed through the SPD at the electric meter. The SPD’s light must be off and surge activity must be verified for a claim to be valid. See MFG warranty for complete details. Other than the manufacturer’s warranty, no warranty is made, expressed or implied by Palmetto Electric Cooperative.

Electronics like TV, computers, etc. must be properly connected to a separate warrantied point-of-use SPD in order to be cover by a MFG warranty. All point-of-use products sold through the Surge Guard program come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Product Warranties are available in each SPD box sold and may vary, so please read warranty carefully to understand coverage. Other than the manufacturer’s warranty, no warranty is made, expressed or implied by Palmetto Electric Co-op.

If you request for the MB-SPD to be removed before the three-year commitment period expires, you will be charged a cancellation fee. However, if you move, you may cancel or transfer the service to your new home and there will be no fee.

Most point-of-use protectors are not designed to handle the intensity of a large power surge. The high capacity rating of the Surge Guard Meter-Based SPD will suppress large surges and provide a layer of protection that is adequate for most major appliances within the home as well as the wiring. However, sensitive electronic items such as TV’s, computers, microwaves and garage door openers can be affected through the communication lines and by low-level surges that coming from within the home. For this reason, point-of-use surge protection devices are recommended as the second layer of the surge protection for these sensitive items.

It is a secondary surge protection device that is designed to be placed downstream of primary or MB-SPD where there are fuses or other circuit breaker protection elements. Point-of -use surge protective devices provide additional surge protection at the point of connection. They can help stop damage from surges that enter through paths other than the power line.

The primary MB-SPD helps protect major appliances and equipment like your washer/dryer, stove, refrigerator, air conditioner and water heater from surges that come in through the power line. Point-of-use protectors will help protect sensitive electronics from low-level surges and surges that enter through other paths like outdoor circuits, cable TV or telephone lines. We recommended that point-of-use SPDs (plug-in devices) be used to protect products like TVs, DVR/DVD players, computers, printers, modems, low voltage lighting, microwave ovens, garage door openers, and security and irrigation systems. Other costly and sensitive products like pool or well pumps, elevators, and golf cart chargers should have special SPDs for the protection. You should have a point-of-use protector for each electronic item for the best protection.

The MB-SPD will help protect against power surges that enter through the electric meter. However, it can’t prevent damage caused by direct or nearby lightning strikes. Costly and sensitive products like pool or well pumps, sprinkler systems, elevators, and golf cart chargers should have special SPDs for the protection.

The design, performance and safety of today’s SPDs are pretty much defined by the ANSI/UL 1449 standard. If the product is listed for purpose then it will meet the requirements for the operating environment and will provide protection to the equipment.

Yes. Lightning protection is designed to protect structures and structural wiring, not electrical devices. Surge protection helps prevent damage to appliances and electrical equipment from power surges.