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Eligibility and Billing
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Installation and Operation
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Meter-base Protector
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Plug-in Protectors
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Eligibility and Billing
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If I rent a house or apartment am I eligible for this service?
Only property owners are eligible to participate in the meter-base protection service. If a tenant wants to participate in the meter-base protection service, he/she should contact their property owner to see if the property owner is willing to have the charges billed to his/her account. The protection offered by the meter-base protector by itself would mainly benefit the owner of the major appliances (the property owner in most cases). Property owner approval is required for all meter-base protector installations on a rental property. Plug-in protectors are only sold in conjunction with meter-base protectors.
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-base protector will appear as a recurring line item on the electric bill. The installation 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; There would be a rental charge for $5.95 + tax 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.
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Installation and Operation
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Do I have to be home when the surge protection is installed?
No, arrangements for installation can be made at the time of purchase with the Progress Energy representative.
Will the power be turned off during installation?
Yes, generally the power will be off for less than 15 minutes during the installation. Installation requires for the power to be turned off. If you or someone is at home at the time of installation, the electrician may request you turn off any major appliances or sensitive electronics prior to cutting the power at the meter.
How do I know if the surge protection is still working?
Both the meter-base protector and plug-in protectors 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 this stop the surges that cause my clocks and DVD players to blink?
Blinking clocks and DVD players 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, and/or answering machines?
These sensitive electronics are unique in that they have two or more sources of entry for a surge. Our premium plug-in protectors offer both the standard electrical protection as well as the necessary phone, cable or satellite protection.
Will 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.
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Meter-base Protector
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What is a meter-base protector?
A meter-base protector is a high-energy surge protection device that is installed directly behind the electric meter at your home. All power coming into your home runs through the meter-base protector, making it the first stage of protection against surges.
Will the meter-base protector protect all my equipment?
No, we recommend our layer protection. The meter-base protector, the first layer of protection, offers excellent protection for major appliances such as dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and pool pump motors. While the meter-base protector offers protection from powerful surges, a small portion of surges can still pass through interior wiring, where it can damage sensitive electronics. For these sensitive electronics we offer our second layer of protection, premium plug-in protectors which are up to six times stronger than some found in retail stores.
Will the meter-base 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.
Is there a minimum amount of time that I must keep the meter-base protector at my home?
Yes, Progress Energy offers the meter-base protector for an initial term of 24 months. Termination by the customer of the meter-base protector service prior to the end of this initial term will result in a removal/termination fee of $60.
What if, at the time of installation, a grounding problem is discovered by the electrician doing the installation?
At the time of installation, a Progress Energy electrician will inspect and repair any electrical grounding problems at no extra charge. The Progress Energy electrician will also try to repair any telephone or cable TV grounding problems, but if not the customer may have to call their local phone or cable company to correct.
Can I take the meter-base protector with me when I move?
The meter-base protector is rented, so you can simply request the service 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.
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Plug-in Protectors
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Will plug-in protectors work by themselves?
Unlike our meter-base protectors, which offers protection from powerful surges, plug-in protectors are not designed to handle major power surges. Our premium plug-in protectors are designed to stop the small portion of surges that may not be blocked by the meter-base protector 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 protectors are used and a home receives a substantial surge, the protectors may not provide adequate protection.
Can I buy plug-in protectors if I don't have a meter-base protector?
Plug-in protectors are designed to function as a second stage of surge protection. The meter-base protector is the first stage of surge protection, which protects plug-in protectors from powerful surges. For this reason, Progress Energy only sells plug-in protectors in conjunction with the meter-base 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, DVD players, computers and related equipment, microwave ovens, stereo equipment, garage door openers, and sprinkler system controls are all good candidates for plug-in protectors. While plug-in protectors are recommended for all sensitive electronics in a home, most customers choose only to purchase high quality plug-in protectors for their most expensive electronic equipment.
What makes Progress Energy's plug-in protectors' superior to others on the market?
Progress Energy's premium plug-in protectors offer:
- Up to six times the protection of some retail plug-in protectors.
- 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 protectors have the flexibility of protecting not only electrical lines but phone, cable and satellite connection as well.
Can I take the plug-in protector(s) with me when I move?
If the 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.
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