Customer Programs Residential Surge Protection

Independence Power & Light offers a "Whole House" surge protector to residential customers, for protection against surges entering the home through electric power lines.

What is a Surge?

A "surge" is a high voltage current which can enter a home through the building's incoming wiring, including electrical, cable, telephone and satellite wiring. Surges can cause damage to electric equipment and appliances, sometimes making the equipment unusable.

IPL's surge protection program offers protection against surges which may enter a home through electric power line wiring. Other incoming wiring, such as those mentioned above, are not protected by the IPL program.

Causes of Surges

• Lightning
• Tree limbs hitting power lines
• Start/Stop switching of large electrical load equipment (not necessarily in the same building)

Surge Protection from IPL

IPL installs a surge protection device, model 240-1SL, behind the outside electric meter, leasing it to the homeowner on a monthly basis. The device detects surges and redirects them to ground. The surge protector does not interfere in any way with the power being supplied to the home or with the metering of the home's electricity usage.

In order for the IPL surge protector to work effectively, the home must have a ground rod located near the electric meter. IPL can install a ground rod, for a fee, when necessary.

The IPL surge protector only protects against surges from electrical AC wiring. Equipment connected to other wiring such as cable or telephone, should also be protected with a quality "point-of-use" surge protector, which plugs into the power outlet. These products are sold in local retail stores, and IPL representatives can advise you in selecting one appropriate for your equipment.

Costs for Surge Protection

Residential Surge Protection:
$4.95 per month added to your City of Independence Utilities Bill

Ground Rod (when necessary):
$50 lump sum payment or up to five $10 monthly payments added to your City of Independence Utilities Bill

Warranty

IPL's surge protection program comes with a warranty of up to $5,000 coverage for damage to appliances and other equipment caused by a power surge entering from electric distribution lines.

Click here to the Service Agreement form.

For more information call us at (816) 325-7485 or contact us by email.