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Whole House Surge Arrester

I was looking into getting a whole house surge arrester.  The only issue that I ran into was the limited warranty of 5 years.  Basically - what that means is that I will have to change out/replace the arrester every 5 years (by a certified electrician) if I want the warranty.  It's probably $150-$200 labor cost to install (plus the cost of the arrester ~$200), but still seems like an unnecessary expense. I looked around, but it seems that the 5 year warranty seems pretty standard.  Anybody install one with a 10 yr/> $50k warranty?

Thanks in advance.

128x128rdk777
facten
2,764 posts
 

I took a look at your system page, really nice gear. If lightning is a problem during storms in your area I'd recommend installing a WHSA;  the WHSA cost you noted is nothing compared to the cost of your system let alone the rest of your electronics, appliances, etc. I have them in 2 panels and had to have 2 of the installed WHSAs replaced because of the intensity of the lightning strikes near me. They did their job each time absorbing the strength of the strikes and preventing any damage to the panel, my equipment, etc. So yes you may need to spend a few hundred dollars more than once, then again you may need to spend a whole lot more without a WHSA. Just my 2 cents based upon my personal experience

thecarpathian
4,185 posts
 

I don't understand why, if the arrester never tripped, must it be replaced every 5 years. Simply because one wishes to maintain the warranty?

erik_squires
15,886 posts
 

AFAIK, all of the Siemens residential surge protectors are 10 years.  While the BoltShield units require a Seimens panels, the FirstSurge units can be fitted to any panel.

It's quite possible the surge protector lasts longer than 10 years, but you are right about the equipment replacement warranty not lasting any longer than that.

Personally, and I'm not talking about Siemens, I've found the stories about the fine print, and difficulty in getting equipment replaced under warranty too much for me. I install it myself and let the chips fall where they may.

Of course, the correct thing to do is to always get a licensed electrician to do all your work. Do as I say, not as I do here. 😂

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