Surge Protector Yes Or No?

Desert Captain wrote:
IMHO: Surge Protectors are just cheap insurance. Three times in the past couple of years have found defective pedestals. I have no idea how many times it has saved me from expensive damage due to power surges/spikes. My neighbor's house took a lightning strike and the surge protector saved him tens of thousands in damage. I also carry fire extinguishers even though I don't plan on having a fire. :C

So do I but I know the fire extinguishers work. I also know when there is a fire. That's too easy, but I can't see bad electricity loads and even if I see them I hear so many stories where the surge protector did no good. If it were only as easy as spotting a fire and grabbing the extinguisher I would already have one.