Surge protection is now required for all dwelling unit services. In the 2020 NEC, a Type 1 or Type 2 surge protective device (SPD) will be required for dwelling unit services. The SPD may be integral to or adjacent to the electrical service. Additionally, an SPD will be required when an existing service is replaced.
Are surge protection devices compulsory?
Simply put; an SPD is required whenever a cable enters or leaves the internal zone (zone 1) from the external zone (zones 0a or 0b). There is also a requirement for additional SPDs to be installed each time a cable or service crosses an internal zonal boundary.
Is surge protection required by code?
Surge Protection Now Required For Residential Service Upgrades and Replacements. For the new 2020 NEC code changes, it is required that all residential service upgrades, replacements, and new service installations (new construction of homes) have type 1 or type 2 surge protection installed.
Are whole house surge protectors required by code?
Since the 2020 code has yet to be adopted by any government entity, the recommendation for whole-house surge protection is currently not required under law. The decision to install whole-house surge protection is advisory, Sargent says.
What level of surge protection do I need?
A surge protector with 1000 to 2000 joules will provide sufficient protection for power tools and office equipment such as printers, copiers and routers. Consider the highest joule ratings—2000 and above—for home theater components, gaming consoles and any computer that stores important data…
Where should surge protection be installed?
SPDs are usually installed within the consumer unit to protect the electrical installation but different types of SPD are available to protect the installation from other incoming services, such as telephone lines and cable TV.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 surge protection?
Type 1 devices are installed before the main device in the loadcenter, whereas Type 2 are installed following the main devices in the loadcenters. … Type 1 devices are dual-rated for Type 2 applications as well, providing the highest ratings available for installation at the service entrance.
What is a Type 2 surge protection device?
The Type 2 SPD is the main protection system for all low voltage electrical installations. Installed in each electrical switchboard, it prevents the spread of overvoltages in the electrical installations and protects the loads. Type 2 SPD is characterized by an 8/20 µs current wave.
Do I need to install an SPD?
If electrical damage can affect a large group of people, then an SPD must be installed. … This will ensure that if any damage is caused in the future, which could have been averted through the use of an SPD, that the contractor will have proof that it was declined by the customer.
Does 2020 NEC require surge protection?
Article 230.67 of the 2020 National Electrical Code® (NEC) now requires all services supplying dwelling units to be provided with a surge protective device (SPD), as an integral part of equipment or located immediately adjacent.
Is 450 joules enough for a surge protector?
A higher number indicates greater protection. Look for a protector that is at least rated at 200 to 400 joules. For better protection, look for a rating of 600 joules or more. Response time – Surge protectors don’t kick in immediately; there is a very slight delay as they respond to the power surge.
What can you not put in a surge protector?
NEVER PLUG THESE THINGS INTO A POWER STRIP
- Large Kitchen Appliances (Refrigerator, Dishwasher, etc.) These appliances are so high-powered that they’ll easily overload a poor, little power strip. …
- Small Kitchen Appliances. …
- Hair Styling Tools. …
- Extension Cords and Other Power Strips.
Can you overload a surge protector?
Multiple outlet power strips (surge protectors, temporary power taps, plug strips, etc.) Multiple power strips must not be “daisy chained” together or used with extension cords. … DO NOT exceed the load (ampacity) rating of the power strip.