Best Whole House Surge Protector

The best whole house surge protector I found was only after a storm caused a lot of damage.

My landscape lights in the backyard and my automatic sprinkler system stopped working. The storm damaged one of the transformers for my LED landscape lights which cost $75. I had to go run out to buy my fourth sprinkler controller and my second in just one year at a wholesale cost of $235 each. The storm also damaged the rain sensor which had to be replaced in a cost of $59.  The total cost of this latest storm was $369 without labor.

I told my neighbor that I had to purchase my fourth sprinkler controller and he mentioned that he also is on his fourth sprinkler controller. What’s causing all of this electric damage? Electric power line surges are likely caused by lightning strikes or electric company transformer problems due to storms.  Don’t think you have to be struck by lightning.  I didn’t see any lightning strikes near my house but one or more electrical surges fried my electronics.

The total cost of damage for just the items I know that were damaged by the electric power surge is $1,074. I don’t remember how many other items I had to replace because they were damaged due to power surges. Even worse is the unseen cost of damage because of power surges which don’t immediately destroy electric appliances, motors, and electronics but reduce the lifespan of these items.  Some of the items I’m concerned about are my TVs, surround sound systems, subzero refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, 2 central air conditioners, telephone system, computers, copy machine, $2,200 Canon document scanner, two $750 waterfall pumps, etc.

The Best Whole House Surge Protector

I decided it’s time to purchase a whole house surge protector but I wanted the best whole house surge protector. After researching on the Internet, I decided that the best whole house surge protector is the Leviton 52120-M2 (2 phase) or the 52120-CM2 (includes a surge counter for the curious).  I am buying the Leviton 52120-CM2 whole house surge protector because I’m curious to see how many electric surges it dissipates.  These two whole house surge protectors provide 100,000 Amp and 2,520 Joules protection. Both of these whole house surge protectors provide the maximum surge protection available in a Leviton unit for a residential house. Additionally, it comes with user-replaceable modules that if damaged from a power surge are provided for free from Leviton with a lifetime guarantee. A light on the unit indicates if it is still functional. Installation is inexpensive and should be the cost of a service call.  For more information, see whole house surge protectors.

Leviton 52120-M2 the Best Whole House Surge Protector

Dealing with Leviton was an absolute pleasure. I called Leviton numerous times with many questions at 1- 800-824-3005 (press 7 for surge protectors). Every time I call, a knowledgeable person answers immediately. The first time I called, I spoke with Emanuel Ramondino who was extremely patient and provided me with an education about surge protectors and how to decide which whole house surge protector is the right one for my house. Emanuel Ramondino spent a lot of time on the phone with me and explained the differences between the surge protector I decided on and other less expensive models.  Leviton treats potential customers the way customers want to be treated the way I treat my customers.  After my experience with Leviton, I wouldn’t consider even looking anywhere else.

Best Whole House Surge Protector FAQ
Q: How will I know if the whole house surge protector is working? A: Indicator lights clearly show if the unit is still working or was overpowered by a lightning strike.
Q: Will I lose electric power to my house if my whole house surge protector is knocked out by lightning? A: No, the unit will stop providing surge protection but you will still have electric power.
Q: Will I have to buy another whole house surge protector if it is destroyed by lightning?  A: Not if you buy the Leviton 52120-M2 or 52120-CM2 (has a counter) which have replaceable modules that are guaranteed for life.  If they are destroyed, Leviton will provide new ones for free.
Q: How is the whole house surge protector installed? A: This is a Type 2 surge protector which is installed between the electric meter and the circuit breaker panel.
Q: Is this the best whole house surge protector if I want the maximum surge protection available? A: The Leviton 52120-M2 and 52120-CM2 provide 100,000A protection, the maximum surge protection available for a residential house.  I was originally considering a 50,000 A or 80,000 A whole house surge protector but after thinking about all of the appliances, electronics, and electric motors in my house, I decided to go for 100,000 A protection.
Q: How much does it cost to install a whole-house surge protector? A: My electrician said he would install it for the cost of a service call if I purchased the whole house surge protector.
Q: Do I still need all of the individual (Type 3) surge protectors on my computer and TVs?  A: Yes, surge protectors are designed to be used together in a tiered system of Type 1,2 &3.  The Type 2 whole house surge protector will provide additional protection against large electric power surges.  See a list of the best surge protectors with a lifetime guarantee.

The Leviton 52120-M2 and 52120-CM2 are the best whole house surge protector for my house and the one I’m getting (I also use a couple of battery backups with Type 3 surge protectors from Costco for my computers, telephone system, alarm, and sprinkler controller).    The best price I found is from Google shopping.  I have 200 amp service.  Depending upon your electric service and your needs, this may or may not be the correct model for your house.  Try out their incredible customer service and call to find out which model is appropriate for you.  Additionally, Leviton also has several other excellent and easily affordable whole house surge protectors, besides the 52120 best whole house surge protector.  Call Leviton at 1- 800-824-3005 (press 7 for surge protectors).