Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is protected and covered by the manufacturer's warranty?
Commercial Surge provides protection from damaging surges to any motor-driven or resistance-heated electrical equipment and the built-in electronics of this equipment. Commercial Surge will protect:
- HVAC compressors
- Refrigerator and freezer compressors
- Gasoline pump motors
- Cooking equipment
- Electric/electronic stoves
- Electric/electronic water heaters
- Electric/electronic air conditioners
(Please see complete manufacturer warranty for specific details.)
2. What is protected but not covered under the manufacturer's warranty?
Commercial Surge does not offer warranty coverage or protection for:
- Televisions, VCRs
- Security systems
- Computer equipment
- Satellite dishes
- Copy machines
- Electronic music equipment
- Fax machine products
(Please see complete manufacturer warranty for specific details.)
3. If the surge equipment breaks, who repairs it?
An authorized Gulf Power electrical technician will replace the surge protection device if it is damaged.
4. I have power strips to protect my equipment. Why do I need this device?
The Surge Protector used in this program has been tested to meet utility standards and is designed to protect your large motor-driven and resistance heat equipment and appliances, where typically, strips cannot be used. It also comes with an industry leading manufacturer's warranty.
5. Why should I have to pay for surge protection?
We are very confident in the quality of power we are able to deliver to your business. However, there are many things that can happen on power lines that are beyond our control. Surges can be caused by things like lightning, cut power lines that take out transformers, or the stopping and starting of manufacturing equipment.
6. Can I purchase this instead of leasing?
No, we do not sell this device outright because the equipment is installed on Gulf Power equipment for which we are responsible.
7. Will the charge appear as a separate line item on my bill?
Yes, the monthly charge will appear as a line item on your monthly Gulf Power bill.
8. If I do not like the service and want to cancel, will you remove the equipment?
Yes, or you can keep the service for as long as you want the protection.
9. My business is located in a strip shopping center. Is this service available to me?
Under most circumstances, we can provide service. Our installers will verify this while on site.
10. Does this service cover my computer and TV's under the manufacturer's warranty?
It will provide some level of protection but electronics are not covered under the product warranty. This product's warranty only covers the motor-driven equipment of your business and the electronic boards associated with that equipment. Electronic equipment is still vulnerable from phone and cable lines and therefore can't be fully protected with this product.
11. How long will it take to have Commercial Surge Protection installed?
It takes about four weeks to get equipment installed. We will make every attempt to install your equipment in a timely manner but due to the high demand we can only commit to installation in a four-week period.
12. When does the warranty take effect?
The manufacturer's warranty coverage for surge protection goes into effect when the surge suppression equipment has been installed.
13. Will you replace any perishables in my freezer if I lose any equipment due to a surge?
No. The manufacturer's warranty only covers the actual damage to the equipment and not any collateral damage that may result due to a failed suppressor.
14. If I have Commercial Surge, will the manufacturer's warranty pay for downtime at my business?
No. The manufacturer's warranty only covers the actual damage to the equipment and does not cover any collateral damage that may result due to a failed suppressor.
15. How do I know if the surge suppression device fails and if so do you replace it?
The surge suppression device comes with red LED indicator lights that are lit while active. If those lights are out, the surge equipment has been damaged and is not working. If a failed unit is discovered on our routine checks, we will replace it at no charge to you.
16. Will my business need to be without electrical service to install the device?
Typically, no but under some circumstances we will need to momentarily cut your power. Before we do, our installers schedule a convenient time for installation with your business.
17. Why does my business need surge protection?
Florida is one of the top lightning producing states in the country. Lightning strikes Florida thousands of times a year causing failures of motor-driven and resistance heat-based equipment.
18. Why lease this product from Gulf Power?
The devices used are high quality and properly installed which is the ultimate in total equipment protection. Most point-of-use devices sold in stores look great from the outside and provide limited protection to only those devices plugged into them. We will provide the highest quality surge protection. We will install it correctly. You will be protected. If surges do breach the system, the protected equipment will be repaired or replaced because it is backed by an industry-leading manufacturer's warranty.
19. Do I sill need point-of-use surge protection?
Commercial Surge protects motor-driven and resistance-based equipment and their electronic components. In order to protect other electronics like computers, Gulf Power recommends a good, high quality point-of-use surge device.
20. Is this a lightning protection system?
No, Commercial Surge Protection will not prevent lightning from striking your business. However, Commercial Surge Protection will protect against any lightning related surges and cover any protected motor-driven equipment damaged by a lightning-induced or related surge entering your business through the electric service.
21. Are there any equipment exclusions to the manufacturer's warranty?
Yes, any electronic circuit boards that are not part of the motor-driven or resistance heat equipment or appliances. These circuit boards must be physically part of the covered equipment. Remote electronic controls or control stations are excluded from the warranty.
22. Do I have to be at work when the installers arrive?
Typically not, but in some cases, we may need to discuss an issue with the owner or manager of the business.
23. Does the surge suppression equipment protect against single phasing conditions?
No. In order to protect equipment in the event of a single phasing condition, a customer should install special equipment designed specifically for this purpose.