RBM wrote:

If you've never had a problem with line lightning, I wouldn't bother.
I don't believe that the type of surge protectors you are referring
to would do much to protect sensitive electronics anyway. If you want
them to protect things like well pumps and motors, fine, but the
typical lightning strike that causes a surge, won't be stopped
quickly enough or completely, to safeguard sensitive electronics, and
won't help at all if your underground dog wire gets hit again

You're spot on - if the lightning hits your house. If, however, the
lightning strike is merely near your home, a whole-house surge protector
(WHSP) will help.

As for "quickly enough," reputable WHSPs are rated from "instantaneous" to
five nanoseconds. Top-line WHSPs (Leviton, Intermatic, Square-D, etc.), can
handle surges up to 180,000 amps and provide up to $25,000 damage
reimbursement for connected equipment loss.

Some WHSPs come with attachments to protect CATV and telephone lines.