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The SurgeShield Plus program installs a meter-based surge protector directly behind your electric meter, but also has a backup portable generator inlet plug and interconnection device to enable your backup portable generator to provide power directly to home electrical system, eliminating the need for extension cords running from the backup portable generator into your home.
The SurgeShield device is a meter-based device that is installed behind your electric meter. The SurgeShield Plus device will also include a backup portable generator inlet plug and interconnection device for your backup portable generator, allowing you to power your appliances using a portable backup portable generator and to control the power flow via your circuit breakers.
The SurgeShield device is a meter-based device that is installed behind your electric meter. The SurgeShield Plus device will also include a backup portable generator inlet plug for your backup portable generator and an interconnection device, allowing you to power your appliances using a portable backup portable generator and to control the power flow via your circuit breakers.
The SurgeShield program is currently $10.95 per month plus tax, guaranteed for the first two years. The SurgeShield Plus program is currently $19.95 per month plus tax, guaranteed for the first two years.
The SurgeShield Plus program is currently only billed on a monthly recurring basis to your credit card.
The SurgeShield Plus program fees are not currently eligible for utility billing but may be in the future.
The SurgeShield Plus device is not available for sale from FPL Home and is only provided for use as part of our SurgeShield Plus program.
Yes, your SurgeShield Plus program enrollment can be transferred to a new residence within the FPL service territory at no cost and will be effective once the SurgeShield Plus device is installed at your new location.
Along with the SurgeShield Plus device you will receive a 30-amp L14-30 backup portable generator cord and a welcome packet including your operating manual, a list of compatible materials, and information on FPL Home.
The SurgeShield Plus device comes standard with a 20 ft cable. You can get up to a 60 foot cable for an additional fee through the SurgeShield Plus device manufacturer by calling 800-886-3837.
The SurgeShield Plus interconnection device offers several advantages over traditional transfer switches:
- The SurgeShield Plus surge protector with the backup portable generator inlet plug and interconnection device is installed outside your home at the electric meter in less than 15 minutes. And, in most cases, you do not need to be at home for the SurgeShield Plus installation. Installation of a transfer switch can take two to three hours and requires re-wiring of your home’s electrical system.
-With the SurgeShield Plus interconnection device, you have the flexibility of selecting the appliances you want to run from your home’s breaker panel, up to the capacity of your backup portable generator. Most basic transfer switches have 6 to 8 hard-wired circuits. This limits the number circuits that can be connected during an outage.
- Your enrollment in the SurgeShield Plus program can be transferred to a new house within the service territory of FPL at no cost to you for reinstallation, whereas a transfer switch cannot be transferred to a new residence without costly electrician bills.
- Since the SurgeShield Plus interconnection device directs backup portable generator power to your existing breaker panel, you can run any large 120- or 240-volt appliance up to your backup portable generator’s capacity. Your well pump, water heater, sump pump, electric range, clothes dryer and electric baseboard heat are just some of the appliances you can run on a rotation basis with the SurgeShield Plus program.
Yes. The SurgeShield Plus surge protector includes a backup portable generator inlet plug and interconnection device that enables you to connect your backup portable generator directly to your home’s main electrical panel. The SurgeShield Plus backup portable generator inlet plug and interconnection device are designed as an alternative to expensive installation of automatic transfer switches or manual use of hazardous extension cords.
Most appliances in the average home consume relatively low amounts of electricity to operate once they are started. However, some of them require a significant amount of electricity to start-up. Please review the appliance guide to determine the start-up wattage required for individual appliances. The SurgeShield Plus device can only run up to 30-amps of power, which equates to a backup portable generator typically less than 8500 continuous running watts.
Some backup portable generators are fitted with connectors that are not L14-20 or L14-30. Consult with FPL Home if your backup portable generator can be used to connect with the SurgeShield Plus backup portable generator inlet power cord.
The SurgeShield plus device will work with the majority of backup portable generators that are 120/240 volts with L14-30 (30 amp) receptacle and do not have a full panel GCFI or 240V GCFI. To check a specific backup portable generator, please call FPL Home or visit the backup portable generator compatibility list online at www.surgeshieldplus.com.
Currently, we only offer a 30 Amp version of the SurgeShield Plus device.
What you can power with your backup portable generator through the SurgeShield Plus device greatly depends on your backup portable generator and the 30 Amp limitation of the device. Please refer to the operating manual for instructions on how to calculate what you can safety power through the SurgeShield Plus device.
The SurgeShield Plus surge protector is also designed to function as an interconnection device and serves as a connection point for a backup portable generator to your home. There is no additional risk of damage to your appliances created by the SurgeShield Plus device. However, any use of a backup portable generator has the potential to damage appliances and systems if too much demand is placed on the backup portable generator. You should carefully follow manufacturer instructions relating to the backup portable generator and to the SurgeShield Plus device before actual use.
You should test the device within 30 days of being installed to confirm that the cord provided works with your backup portable generator, that you understand how to use the device, and that you understand the amperage loads that can be used with your backup portable generator. We also recommend that you test your system twice a year and before any storm to ensure that the device and your backup portable generator are working properly.
While the SurgeShield Plus interconnection device is rated up to 30 amps, your backup portable generator will determine what you can power. Please refer to your backup portable generator’s manual to see what load it can support and use the load calculation sheet in the SurgeShield Plus device operations manual to then calculate what load the backup portable generator can power.
If you have outstanding questions, please call GPP, the SurgeShield Plus device manufacturer, at 800-886-3837.
We will send you an operating manual which will walk you through all the necessary steps to use the SurgeShield Plus device with your backup portable generator.
If you have outstanding questions, please call GPP, the SurgeShield plus device manufacturer, at 800-886-3837.
- Green Light: Normal condition where utility power is present.
- Red Light: A momentarily red light is normal while power cycled between utility and backup portable generator. A potential problem may be present if the red light is illuminated continuously and you should contact FPL Home immediately (refer to the Terms and Conditions for notification instructions).
- Yellow Light: The yellow light indicates that the household load is greater than 30 amps. It is normal for the yellow status light to be illuminated while utility power is present. The load must be reduced before the SurgeShield Plus interconnection device can be operated with your backup portable generator. Reduce the load by turning off circuit breakers in the breaker panel.
- Blue Light: cord set and backup portable generator is connected to the SurgeShield Plus device correctly.
The green light on the SurgeShield Plus device will appear, at this point please follow the steps in the operation manual to disconnect your backup portable generator.
You may find backup portable generator assistance through an electrician in your area. FPL Home Services is available to assist you with your backup portable generator. Additional charges will apply.
If lights are off/incorrect light is on or red light is continuously illuminated, you should contact FPL Home immediately (refer to the Terms and Conditions for notification instructions).
The SurgeShield plus device will work with the majority of backup portable generators that are 120/240 volts with L14-30 (30 amp) receptacle and do not have a full panel GCFI or 240V GCFI. To check a specific backup portable generator, please call FPL Home or visit the backup portable generator compatibility list online at www.surgeshieldplus.com. We may email you a list of all compatible backup portable generators for your convenience.
While every home is different, circuit breakers are generally located in low-traffic areas of the home, such as a basement, garage, or utility closet. If you live in an apartment, your circuit breaker may be in a more central location, such as a hallway or laundry area.
This means the surge protection component of the device has worn out. Please contact FPL Home and we will send out a technician to replace the device.