I have installed one in my house and my in-laws house also... It is a pretty simple process and relatively inexpensive... I picked up a whole whouse surge protector at Home Depot (~$89.00) It took me about 1/2 to install...
It attached to one of the knock ot holes in your breaker box... Just turn off the main breaker connect one of the leads (black)to an open even number break and the second (red) to an open odd number breaker... This will protrect your house for both hot lines coming into the house... Third wire to the neutral (white) and Finally wire(green) to your ground... The make I have also comes with a $25,000. Insurance to cover any damage if it fails..
There is a LED monitor that indicated it is working...
Once again... I fond it quick, easy and inexpensive
Well worth the investment...