Bright Ideas Energy Products

Background

More than one-half of today’s products/appliances for homes contain electronic components—and the list is growing! While most people identify computers, TVs and VCRs as electronic appliances, they may not be aware that newer products, such as ranges, refrigerators, and heating/cooling systems contain sophisticated electronic circuits.

Even a small power surge can deteriorate the electronic components of an appliance. Experts estimate that the average home may have as many as 2,200 surges annually and that can substantially shorten the designed life of those appliances. Surges can come from a number of sources inside you home, such as heaters, dryers, garage door openers and motors starting on air conditioners, freezers, and well-pumps.

Most of these surges are so small the average consumer doesn’t see the damage they cause. However, the electronic equipment takes a constant "pounding." When a thunderstorm strikes, the electronic components may fail giving the impression that lighting caused the damage. In reality the product may already have been on the brink of failing because of the many constant low-level surges from equipment within the home.

Whole-house protection with proper grounding and end-use protection for each piece of equipment will give you the best possible protection available.

Common questions (and their answers) for the surge suppression lease program

• What does this program provide?
  This lease program through SSVEC provides whole-house protection from damage caused by power surges. A device installed at your electric meter protects appliances and equipment from surges coming in over the power line. You get warranty protection for large appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Individual modules plugged in at outlets provides a second stage of protection for sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, TVs, phone answer machines, and microwave ovens.

The program covers repair or replacement of items damaged because of a power surge.

**Please note: These protective devices are not Uninterruptible Power Sources (UPS); they do not provide "back up" power.

• What is covered in the warranty?
  The program covers the repair or replacement of appliances damaged by power surges.

A qualified electrician installs the whole-house protection device at the meter. You receive five modules that plug-in at an electrical outlet for the sensitive electronic equipment: 8 outlet computer grade plug strip, 3-outlet all mount plug-in to protect TV and VCR, 1 outlet wall mount to protect single device (microwave oven or garage door opener), and single plug/coaxial TV cable protection module.

• What if I need protection for additional appliances?
  You can purchase additional module units if you have more than one computer, TV, message machine, microwave oven, etc. These items must have their own individual module to be covered under the warranty. In the case of a damage claim, you may be required to submit the individual module and we may inspect the whole-house unit.

• How do I file a claim?
  You simply call NRTC at 1-800-995-5592 (ext. 1443 or 7786). The personnel can "walk you though" the claims process. SSVEC will also assist in the claim process.

• Is the suppression equipment replaced?
  Yes, the equipment has a lifetime warranty. If you have a damage claim, we replace the module and inspect and replace (if necessary) the whole-house unit.

• Do I have to use the plug-in surge protectors you provide or can I use the ones I already have?
  You must use the protectors provided in order to be covered by the warranty! The manufacturer can only provide repair or replacement coverage if they have built the surge protector. They do not have any control over the quality of a device another company produces.

• What is the cost of the program?
  There is a one-time installation fee of $59.95 (plus tax) for the grounding inspection and installation of the whole-house unit, then payments of $6.95 (plus tax) each month (under the three-year lease).

• Can the lease be extended?
  Yes. You can choose to continue with the lease program for monthly $6.95 (plus tax).

• What if I have a direct lightning strike?
  This program does not cover damage from direct lightning strike. You need to check your homeowner’s insurance policy to determine whether you have coverage.

• Are there other requirements or disclaimers?
  • Proper grounding at your electric service entrance must be up to the specified electric code; the installer will verify this.
  • Three-prong to two-prong adapters must not be used with any surge protection equipment; if these adapters are used, the warranty coverage is voided.