Lightning Protection = Prevention
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” says Mary Beth Sadlo. That's the bottom line for Mary Beth and her husband, Ed, who raise horses in rural Troy and rely on Power Quality Plus (PQ+) to protect their facilities from lightning.
They joined the PQ+ lease program six years ago. The Sadlos don’t just lease one surge protector, though. They lease three of them.
“We’ve had lots of close lightning hits. Since we got the surge protectors, we haven’t had any issues that come to mind with any kind of damage whatsoever,” notes Ed.
The units they lease protect (1) their home meter, (2) their horse arena meter, and (3) their stable/tack area meter.
Ed is a retired journeyman electrician. He understands this subject a little differently than many of us. “I’ve gone in and cleaned up after lightning hits on wiring systems, etc. I’ve seen the damage and had to work with it.”
Mary Beth relied on Ed’s advice to protect their buildings and their business. “I’m a willing partner because he is the journeyman electrician who understands and knows about these things,” said Mary Beth. “Definitely, it's the right decision to install surge protection.”
They have a substantial investment in their home, the arena, and in the stable built in 1996 when they had just five horses and a pony. Then they began breeding thoroughbred horses. “Eventually, we opened our private stable to the public," says Mary Beth.
"We've met some very interesting people," she adds. "Some great trainers come out here to be with us.” The Sadlos have plenty to do and much to enjoy about their business. Lightning worries don't stand in their way.
Their view of life balances the possible and the practical. PQ+ surge protection is a good business decision, balancing the unpleasant possibilities of lightning damage with an affordable preventive measure. “If you have surge protection, you’re not going to be replacing things,” said Ed. “Without surge protection, and insurance deductibles being so high, you’d wind up paying out of pocket to fix stuff,” he adds. The TESCO line of PQ+ products has a limited connected product warranty tied to any surge protector Cuivre River installs. If connected products covered by the TESCO warranty are damaged by lightning through the electric meter, TESCO pays; there's no deductible, no insurance claim.
The electric meter isn't the only point of entry for a lightning strike. “We have a public address system in the horse arena and a closed circuit TV," recounts Ed. "The TV was damaged by lightning that entered through the coaxial cable, but not the electric power side,” says Ed. TESCO offers products to protect coaxial cable and telephone lines as well. These products are available for purchase upon request.
“It's not uncommon to sustain damage from lightning running through a coaxial cable,” notes Cuivre River Member Services Representative Bob Hysong. He acknowledges the electric line is usually the first thing people suspect. "I truly can’t count the number of times I’ve heard that lightning ran in on a phone line or coaxial (TV) line, prompting a call about our PQ+ program,” he adds.
“We’ve preached the benefits of meter base and plug-in surge suppression protection since 'Day One' of this program, October 1, 1998,” Hysong says. "While this program is neither a 'one size fits all' nor a 'perfect’ solution, we’ve learned that combining meter base equipment with plug-in surge suppression prevents headaches and heartaches.”
“It’s definitely worth the investment,” Ed adds. “With the cost of everything, you can’t expect to simply go back and fix stuff. I’m really a big believer in that. If you have to spend a little extra for the protection, you do it. I have no regrets.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” notes Hysong, who practices what he preaches at his Warren County home. “We’ve been able to avoid lightning damage in spite of nearby strikes and crazy weather at our home. Like Ed, we’ve had plenty of chances.”
To enroll in the meter adapter lease program or order other items call Bob Hysong at 800.392.3709, ext. 233 or e-mail bhysong@cuivre.com.
This month Cuivre River offers free PQ+ meter base installation, and one free month of service to members who lease equipment ($280 value). Enroll by November 30 to be eligible to win a TESCO outlet strip with 8 electrical, two telephone and two coax cable outlets ($67 value).
Pair PQ+ with Coax and Phone Line Protection
Lightning can enter your home many ways. Leon and Leslie Stone of rural Warrenton became believers when a lightning strike found its way into their computer without touching their electric service. Risks from lightning surges that travel through phone and coax cable lines are often overlooked.
The Stones don't overlook that risk any more. They took an important first step to prevent lightning damage by enrolling in the Power Quality Plus (PQ+) meter adapter lease program several years ago. “We always wondered what would happen if our house got struck by lightning. My wife saw a Current Times article about a surge protector on the meter. We thought $5.95/month was cheap insurance, so we wouldn’t have to go through the hassle of paying for all of our appliances if lightning struck our meter.”
Life was peaceful for the Stones for the next few years. The PQ+ adapter protected their major appliances as promised, but home electronics were vulnerable. Leon recalls, “We came home from a vacation to find that our television and computer were damaged during a storm while we were away. A lightning strike came in through our phone line. The television had to be fixed and the tower on the computer had to be replaced.”
Leslie continues, “It was an expensive lesson to learn. Replacing the computer tower was expensive, and the television was only a year old.”
Had a power strip with phone line protection been in place, damage could have been averted, or covered by the product warranty.
How much did it cost to fix all of this chaos? “It cost us about a thousand dollars all together to repair or replace these items,” said Leon. They won't be caught off-guard again.
"After the strike, I visited the Stones to check their equipment and brought some TESCO plug-in strips with ports for telephone and coax protection," says Member Services Representative Bob Hysong. "The Stones now have TESCO plug-in surge suppressors we recommend for use with the meter adapter to protect sensitive electronic equipment."
That lightning damage could travel through phone lines was news to Leslie. "I did not know that a lightning strike could go through a telephone line. We thought we were protected by the meter adapter device, but you actually need to add the multi-media surge strip at the plug to protect electronics."
The TESCO multi-purpose strips are competitively priced at $68. "They're a great addition to the Stones’ efforts to prevent lightning damage,” says Hysong.
Hysong helps educate members about this reality through his work with PQ+ for more than a decade. “This story demonstrates the importance of multi-stage protection, beginning at the meter base and continuing with plug strips inside your home," he says. "Damage is rare, but will most likely impact home electronics and travel through unprotected incoming telephone lines and coaxial cable lines."
Cuivre River's spring Power Quality Plus (PQ+) promotion begins this month. Members who sign up for a $5.95/month lease by April 30 receive one month free service, free installation, and a chance to win a multi-media plug strip. Ken Goos of Troy won a $50 bill credit during the last promotion.
To enroll in PQ+ or ask about TESCO multi-purpose plug strips contact Hysong at 800.392.3709, ext. 233. Plug strips for sensitive electronics range in price from $19 to $68 depending on the number of electrical, phone and coax ports available.
Power Quality Plus Offers Lightning Protection
April showers usually bring two things: May flowers and lightning.
To keep lightning worries at bay, Howard and Cathy Schide of rural Warrenton lease Power Quality Plus (PQ+) surge protection. For five years it has kept them damage-free.
The Schides learned about PQ+ at an annual meeting. “We got the information and it just made sense to me,” noted Howard. “Everything is controlled by electronics today, from your dishwasher to your electric oven to your TV. Everything has a microprocessor. Why not put something in to protect them?”
Like many members who seek surge protection solutions, the Schides had an episode of lightning damage before they inquired. “We lost a computer. I wasn’t sure if lightning came through the electric line or phone line,” Howard said.
In the Schides' part of the country, fairly wooded, lightning can definitely be an issue. “Lightning has hit trees close to our home, but we don’t know if it actually entered the house,” Howard says.Since installing his meter adapter, “I haven’t had any problems," he adds. "If there were threats, the equipment prevented problems."
Cathy likes the peace of mind and the price of PQ+. “I think the price of it is wonderful. I do not think you can buy this kind of insurance or assurance for that amount of money anywhere.” Cathy considers the connected product warranty a great value.
This warranty protects homeowners from the cost of replacing major “white appliance goods” like furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, washers and clothes dryers. The Schides installed a ground source heat pump last fall. It's one of the items the PQ+ meter base device protects, and it's automatically covered by the warranty.
When it comes to sensitive electronics, it's also very important to use additional plug-in surge strips to protect sensitive, expensive electronics like big screen TVs and computers. These items are not considered "white appliance goods," says Cuivre River's Bob Hysong. They need secondary protection. PQ+ surge strips fill the bill.
“In the 12 years we've offered PQ+, we've had very few problems," says Hysong. "Challenges we've encountered involve the erroneous assumption that the meter adapter can do it all. From 'day one' we've repeatedly stressed there are other risks. Lightning comes in through channels other than the electric lines, like a phone line or coaxial cable line. The meter base product that we install has red indicator lights to let you know if lightning strikes your meter. If the red lights are visible, lightning hasn't entered through this gateway. If the red lights are out, call me. Chances are good that a lightning surge has occurred.”
The Schides report they are well-armed with surge strips, and encourage other consumers to get involved in PQ+. “A friend was talking with me one day, and had lost a TV, a computer and some other electronics due to a lightning strike. I told him about our [meter base] unit. He wasn’t aware of the program and called right away to get one installed. He thought it was an excellent idea.” Hysong says satisfied members who speak with their neighbors are the best advocates of PQ+.
The cost: $5.95/month to lease. During April, the first month is free for members who enroll now. They're also entered in a prize drawing. "Some lucky member who enrolls during the seasonal promotion will receive $50 of free electricity, just like Calvin Tinsley of Troy did last fall," says Hysong.
The meter adapters, as well as other equipment in the PQ+ program, are also available for sale.
To enroll, call Hysong at 636.528.8261, 636.695.4700 or 800.392.3709, ext. 233.
Protect Your Home From Lightning Consider Power Quality Plus
Storms and lightning strikes often make an appearance when seasons change. When the potential for volatile weather is high, Member Services Representative Bob Hysong likes to remind members that Cuivre River's Power Quality Plus (PQ+) program, which features TESCO equipment, can take some of the worry out of the picture.
Members Don and Carol Erion of Old Monroe stopped worrying about their heat pump circuit board when they installed a meter base adapter more than a decade ago. "I had a heat pump circuit board blown out [by lightning] twice within a five-year span," says Don. He read about the Power Quality Plus promotion in 1998 and thought, "If this little device would save my repair bills, it would be well worth the investment."
Since installing the meter adapter, the Erions have had no more problems. "Solved them," he says. "Haven't had any other things in the house blow either, but the heat pump was the primary thing." His heat pump has been spared, along with other white goods: refrigerators, freezers, stoves, clothes washers and dryers.
Like many people, the Erions didn't think about protecting their home until they had repair bills for lightning damage. "I've told other people about surge protection since then," he says. "Most people aren't aware it exists." He's also beefed up the lightning protection inside his home. "All of the electronic devices in our home, like computers and televisions, are run through surge protection strips."
If you're concerned about potential lightning damage, but unsure Power Quality Plus (PQ+) equipment will perform when needed, Don has this to say: "The only thing I can tell people is just what I've experienced. I had problems, I put one of these [surge protectors] in, and I haven't had any problems since."
It's been such a good investment, he's a repeat customer. He's installing another unit on his cottage just across the yard. "It's well worth the investment. When I figured the cost of repair calls and replacement parts, it didn't take long to pay for the surge protector."
The Erions are one of many success stories; most tales are left untold. "We get very few calls once surge protection is installed," says Hysong. "We average just 10 to 15 meter adapter lightning strikes each year," he adds. If the adapter is damaged, it will be replaced under warranty. If white goods are damaged, they are covered by the meter adapter warranty. "Appliance damage is very rare."
How does a homeowner know the adapter took the strike? Early units have an audible alarm. Units installed today have two red LED lights. As long as both lights glow red, the meter adapter is undamaged and providing protection. If lights are off, the adapter has taken a hit. It should be replaced, and appliances should be checked.
Meter strikes are not the only source of lightning damage. Power Quality Plus TESCO devices for telephone and coax cable applications can be purchased. TESCO plug strips are also available for purchase, and required for full warranty coverage of home electronics.
For $5.95/month*, Cuivre River members can lease a meter base adapter and share the peace of mind the Erions have when seasonal storms threaten. Members who activate a lease during November will get one month free, free installation, and be eligible to win $50 of free electricity.
Units are also available for purchase.
Call Bob Hysong, extension 233, for more information: 636.528.8261, 636.695.4700 or 800.392.3709, or e-mail bhysong@cuivre.com.
*Availability may be restricted by consumer's equipment.
Power Quality Plus Helps Family Tackle Lightning Strikes
Bruce and Theresa Callaway of rural Winfield disagree with folklore that suggests, "lightning never strikes twice in the same place."
Their home has been hit more than once. The first time they lost telephones, answering machines, satellite TV boxes, a computer, a TV and two stereos.
"I'd seen an article about surge protection in the Cuivre River newspaper, but hadn't really paid any attention," said Theresa. "After we got hit, I called to find out what we needed to do."
They enrolled in the Power Quality Plus (PQ+) lease program for $5.95/month and purchased surge protection strips for their home electronics. Last summer, they took another strike. "In the middle of the night a really bad storm came through. We didn't know we'd been hit until the next day. We noticed the surge protection light wasn't 'on' and called Cuivre River," Theresa said. Lightning had hit the box twice, but no equipment needed replacement.
"Now I wouldn't be without it," Theresa says about Power Quality Plus. "For what it costs per year, you can't replace a single item that 'fries'.” Now the Callaways don't worry much about lightning damage, even when nasty storms come their way. "We have protection on the meter, and we have the surge strips we purchased from Cuivre River for the inside stuff we're protecting," Theresa says.
Member Services Representative Bob Hysong says many of the 1,000 participants in Cuivre River's program have had experiences similar to the Callaways. They ask about Power Quality Plus after a bad storm — sometimes after serious damage.
He emphasizes the importance of protecting the meter first, which can prevent damage to major electric appliances called "white" goods: heating and cooling equipment, water heaters, refrigerators, washers, dryers and stoves. Additional surge plug strips are needed for sensitive electronic components. Power Quality Plus plug strips can meet a variety of needs.
"One thing I've learned working with Power Quality Plus for the past 10 years is the importance of protecting the meter first," says Hysong. "It doesn't prevent a lightning strike, but it can certainly help prevent the damage it can cause. We have a great number of happy people who have surge protection for their homes," he adds.
To encourage members to protect their homes from lightning strikes, Cuivre River offers new Power Quality Plus lease participants free installation and one free month of meter protection this month.
All who enroll by November 30 also have a chance to win $100 of free electricity. Dale Istwan of Hawk Point was the spring promotion winner.
For more information or to enroll contact Hysong at 800.392.3709, 636.528.8261 or 636.695.4700, ext. 233, or email bhysong@cuivre.com.
What Is Power Quality Plus?
Power Quality Plus is a multi-stage home surge protection system offered by Cuivre River Electric Cooperative. It is designed to protect appliances against surges from both outside and within your home. Products and prices are detailed below.
Added safety from damage caused by lightning strikes and other surges, short outages and blinks from outside your home. Devices do not prevent power outages.
Increased protection from surges inside your home, including those caused by wiring problems, loose connections and fluctuating demand from large motors.
Less worry about expensive repairs, major inconveniences and disruptions caused by damage to appliances and equipment you depend on every day.
TESCO, the manufacturer of Power Quality Plus products, offers product replacement and connected equipment warranty coverage with each piece of Power Quality Plus equipment.
Cuivre River Electric Cooperative can only honor the manufacturer equipment warranties, and Cuivre River Electric Cooperative is not responsible for events or fluctuations in your electricity beyond our control.