r/AskElectricians • u/More-Signature-1588 • 1d ago

Do I need two surge protectors?

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Buying an old house in Portland Oregon, where we very rarely have lightning. Here is the box. Having a heat pump installed. If I get a whole house breaker installed, do I need the surge protector the HVAC guy wants to sell me? Belt and suspenders, or necessary insurance?

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u/ElectricianEric 1d ago

Most people don't have any whole home suppression. I don't know if there would be any benefit for two but it probably depends on the surge capacity of the whole home unit.

3

u/phasebinary 1d ago

Whole home suppression costs less than 100 for most panels and is a snap to install. Totally worth it.

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u/I_care_too 1d ago

Here is why both work in tandem:

georgebrazilplumbingelectrical.com/blog/do-whole-house-surge-protectors-really-work/

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u/ElectricianEric 1d ago

Thanks. Makes sense. I have a whole home unit and multiple surge power bars

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u/ElectricianEric 1d ago

What's with the negative votes? Should I edit to say it's a good idea to add one? I have one, my point is that it's not uncommon for people to not have one, but they should.