On Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 12:20:46 PM UTC-4, westom wrote:
On Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 12:10:45 PM UTC-4, Uncle Monster wrote:
I believe the power company here will install a meter base surge arrester and charge a few bucks a month to basically guarantee you'll have do damages to your electronics from surges.

They will not guarantee it. Because that protector, like all protectors, are only as effective as your earth ground. You (not them) provide that low impedance (ie hardwire has no sharp bends) earth ground. You determine how effective it will be.

How can one person be so consistently wrong about so many things?

An example from Duke Energy, their warranty for the meter base surge
protector available from them:

"Most common household electronics and appliances that plug in to an outlet are covered under StrikeStop Monetary Coverage. This includes your computers, TVs, refrigerators and even electronic garage door openers. Some limitations exist, such as appliances located outside your home or devices used to support a business."

Or Omaha Public Power:

"Triple protection for $6.99 a month. Quick and easy online enrollment.
Enroll

OPPDs Residential Surge Guard Protection can prevent damage to your electronic equipment, and it's backed by a $50,000 repair or replacement warranty."

Each time a claim is filed against a Monetary Coverage plan, the reimbursement is limited to $1,500. The lifetime reimbursement amount is $10,000."


Plenty more examples for those willing to open their eyes.