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All FAQs All FAQs Program Defined Program Defined Superior Product Superior Product Operation Instructions Operation Instructions Technical Information Technical Information

Program Defined

  • What is the SurgeShield Plus Program?

    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.

  • What is the difference between the SurgeShield Plus device and the SurgeShield device?

    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. 

  • I am already enrolled in the SurgeShield program but want the SurgeShield Plus device, can I upgrade?

    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.

  • How much is the SurgeShield Plus program & the SurgeShield program?

    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.

  • How do I pay for my enrollment in the SurgeShield Plus program?

    The SurgeShield Plus program is currently only billed on a monthly recurring basis to your credit card.

  • Can I put the SurgeShield Plus program fees on my utility bill?

    The SurgeShield Plus program fees are not currently eligible for utility billing but may be in the future.

  • Can I buy the SurgeShield Plus device?

    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.  

  • Can I transfer my enrollment in the SurgeShield Plus program to a new location?

    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.

  • What is included with the SurgeShield plus device?

    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.

  • Can I get a longer cable?

    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.

Superior Product

  • How is the SurgeShield Plus interconnection device different from a transfer switch?

    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.

  • Do I need a backup portable generator in order to fully utilize the SurgeShield Plus Program Features?

    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.

  • Why can’t I run my whole house from a backup portable generator?

    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. 

  • What if my backup portable generator connector does not have a straight or locking L14-20 or L14-30 connector?

    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.

  • What backup portable generator can I use with the SurgeShield Plus device?

    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.

  • Can I get a SurgeShield Plus device that has an amperage limitation greater than 30 Amps?

    Currently, we only offer a 30 Amp version of the SurgeShield Plus device.

  • What can I power with my backup portable generator using 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.

  • Is there any potential damage to my appliances?

    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.

Operation Instructions

  • What happens when the utility power is restored, and my backup portable generator is operating through the SurgeShield Plus device?

    Your backup portable generator continues to power your home until you turn it off, or the backup portable generator runs out of fuel. Once you turn off your backup portable generator, SurgeShield Plus device will automatically switch your home back to utility power. The SurgeShield Plus interconnection device has a build-in safety feature that prevents back feeding the backup portable generator’s power onto the utility lines, eliminating hazardous conditions for you and for utility service personnel.

  • Does my utility meter continue to run when using the SurgeShield Plus device with my backup portable generator?

    No, your utility meter will only run when the utility is providing electric power to your home. When using the SurgeShield Plus interconnection device with your backup portable generator, you are automatically disconnected from the utility power supply and will not reconnect until you turn off your backup portable generator.

  • How can I tell when utility power is restored?

    There are four indicator lights on the SurgeShield Plus device, one green, one yellow, one blue and one red. When the green light is illuminated, this represents a normal condition where utility power is present. The blue light is illuminated only when voltage is detected from the backup portable generator, representing the cord set is connected to the SurgeShield Plus device correctly. If the yellow light is illuminated when on backup portable generator power, you have reached the load limit of appx 30 amp and you must shut off breakers until that light is no longer illuminated. It is common for the yellow light to be illuminated during normal utility consumption. If the red light is illuminated at any time, there is a potential problem, and you should contact FPL Home immediately (refer to the Terms and Conditions for notification instructions). It is normal condition for the red to flicker during the initial connection with the backup portable generator. When your utility has restored power, you can de-energize and disconnect your backup portable generator from the SurgeShield Plus inlet plug.

  • How often should I test my SurgeShield Plus backup portable generator inlet plug and interconnection device with my backup portable generator?

    You should test your device within 30 days of being installed to confirm that the cord provided works with your backup portable generator and that you understand how to use the device and the loads that can be imposed upon 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 backup portable generator are working properly.

  • What maintenance is required for the SurgeShield Plus device?

    If you are having any issues with the operation of the SurgeShield device, you should immediately contact FPL Home (refer to the Terms and Conditions for notification instructions).

  • Where should the backup portable generator be placed?

    Remember, backup portable generator exhaust gases can contain deadly carbon monoxide. The backup portable generator should never be operated inside or near windows or vents, this includes basements, crawl spaces, and/or attached garages. Please consult your backup portable generator owner’s manual for complete instructions on the safe location for and operation of your backup portable generator.

  • Can I use my backup portable generator with the SurgeShield Plus device during inclement weather?

    The SurgeShield Plus device is completely sealed inside the meter socket and does not represent a hazard; however, backup portable generators should not be operated during rain or snow unless they are protected from the elements. Please consult your backup portable generator manufacturer, distributor, and/or owner’s manual for instructions on the safe operation of your backup portable generator.

  • My device is making a beeping / chirping sound, what does this mean?

    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.

Technical Information

  • How often should I test the SurgeShield Plus device with my backup portable generator?

    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.

  • What items in my home can I power while using my backup portable generator?

    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.

  • What is the step by step process on using the SurgeShield Plus device and my backup portable generator?

    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.

  • What are the indicator lights on the SurgeShield Plus device?

    - 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.

  • How do I know when utility power has been restored?

    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.

  • Can someone come out and help turn on my 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.

  • I don’t believe my SurgeShield Plus device is working, can someone come out and verify?

    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).

  • What backup portable generator can I use with the SurgeShield Plus device?

    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.

  • Where are my electrical circuit breakers?

    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.

  • My device is making a beeping / chirping sound, what does this mean?

    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.