Sycom SYC-120/240-T2 120/240 Single Phase Hardware Surge Protector Many homeowner policies don't cover lightning strikes. Many insurance companies give a discount for homes that have surge protectors. The average home gets hit with over 20 energy spikes a day. You get up to 30% more life out of your appliances and electronic equipment if you use surge protectors. A lightning strike up to one mile away can do damage to your sensitive equipment.