The utility-type device that goes on the meter pan generally protects you from occurrences on the utility system that might find their way into your house. It doesn’t protect you from anything that occurs on the downstream side.
So it’s really important to have both a device-specific surge protective device and the whole house protector.
I should caution ... the typical residence does not generally have an adequate grounding system ... [so] probably the wisest thing to do is supplement the earthing system in your house ... . That includes the electric service, which has to be bonded to the cable TV service which may come into your house ... and it has to be bonded to the lightning protection system.
Dave Brender
The Copper Development Association
National Program Manager
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