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Extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards and thunderstorms pose an obvious threat of power outages, but other factors cause power surges more often than you think. A failure or fire in a main transformer or generating equipment can cut off power to your home. In addition, interruptions or voltage surges in the power supply system often lead to power surges when power is restored.
These incidents are not uncommon. A power surge may only last a split second, but anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of one can tell you how dramatic the results can be. Excessive power consumption can damage everything from computers, televisions, refrigerators to HVAC compressors.
Luckily, equipment to prevent these problems is surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider the cost of replacing damaged items. As an engineer and home remodeler, I have worked with electrical contractors many times to identify and install them. With this detailed guide, I can help you determine how to choose the best whole house surge protector for your property.
For those who do not have in-depth knowledge of electrical engineering, choosing a surge protector (SPD) can be confusing. I tried to keep the selection criteria as simple as possible while still providing choice to every homeowner.
With the help of Bob Vila’s research group, I reviewed more than two dozen devices to ensure we had a good general understanding of the whole-house surge protectors currently available. Generally speaking, a higher kiloampere (kA) rating means more protection. Some devices suppress surges better than others, and the most advanced models may have relatively low kA ratings. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings are critical to determining what equipment can be installed where, so we’ve selected a variety of alternatives to maximize user choice. (For more information on kA ratings, read the “Voltage and Surge Protection Ratings” section under our product reviews.)
Finally, premium brands may offer a wide range of features and a high level of protection, but not everyone considers them necessary. Therefore, we offer equipment in different price categories.
Each of these surge protectors has its own unique features and benefits, and the following categories will help you quickly determine the best surge protector for your situation.
Siemens offers a wide range of surge protection equipment. The FS140 is a premium model that offers the highest protection on our list (140kA). It has a durable thermoplastic housing that meets NEMA 4X standards and can be installed on any main circuit breaker panel with a 30 amp (A) or lower, two-pole circuit breaker.
Commercial grade diagnostics mean the alarm has three stages, including an audible alarm and a flashing red LED if the electrical system is not protected. Siemens coaxial and digital subscriber line (DSL) phone and modem protection equipment can be added at an additional cost to provide comprehensive coverage.
The device is a little more expensive than most competing devices, but this level of protection should give you peace of mind even in stormy areas.
Leviton’s easy-to-install Type 2 surge protection panels are suitable for residential and light commercial applications alike and are designed to be easily flush-mounted next to the main circuit breaker panel. In this position, it provides instant visual information about the protection status via an LED on the front panel. The J-box’s metal housing is pre-perforated for standard electrical connections and is NEMA 1 rated for indoor use.
Given its potential use in mixed business environments, a large amount of technical information is displayed on the front of the case. The device provides 50kA protection for single-phase power and can be integrated with the Leviton Dacora smart home control system.
Eaton has a strong reputation for providing reliable, durable equipment at competitive prices, and its Model 2 SPD is no exception. It offers excellent protection at an affordable price.
This compact device can be installed indoors or outdoors. It’s easy to install thanks to its innovative universal design that adapts to virtually any panel. Unusual among budget devices, the NEMA 4 enclosure protects internal circuitry from rain, snow and ice.
The Eaton Type 2 surge protector is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certified and offers four standard protection modes. LED indicators clearly indicate the status. The device has a maximum surge protection rating of 36 kA, but may be ineffective due to a direct lightning strike.
This high quality Type 1 whole house surge protector from Schneider Electric offers maximum versatility. This compact device has a NEMA 4X enclosure that can be installed indoors or outdoors and is designed for installation on the line side of any residential circuit breaker panel.
While most surge protectors offer four protection modes (similar to surge protection in home electronics), the HEPD80 offers six. While this feature may only be of interest to professional electricians, it can improve the safety factor provided.
While the HEPD80 has an impressive 80kA protection rating, its stellar performance doesn’t come with an exorbitant price tag, as the device remains a very affordable option. It is UL listed and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified.
Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA is another example of this leading brand’s reputation for providing high-quality surge protection equipment at an affordable price. Like our recommended “Best Value” model, this model features a rugged NEMA 4 weatherproof enclosure and can be installed indoors. Since this compact surge protector is mounted outside the breaker box, it can be combined with any manufacturer’s load center.
This is one of the highest rated Class 2 devices we’ve found, with single surge protection up to 108kA, making it equally suitable for residential or commercial use on 120V or 240V lines. It offers four modes, useful LED status indicators and UL safety certified.
Flush-mount surge protectors can provide a more attractive appearance, and while this is not always important, it can be a factor when the device is visible. Despite the fact that Leviton 51110-SRG can be used in individual homes, it is intended for use in the service entrances of apartments and apartments, where it will certainly look neater than many of its competitors. The housing is NEMA 4X rated, making it safe for outdoor use.
The specifications can sometimes be confusing: according to the description, this Leviton SPD produces 24kA in each mode, which doesn’t seem particularly high. However, it actually has two modes that work together, so true protection against any surge is rated at a competitive 48kA. Considering its low price, it’s excellent value for money.
Another versatile option, the Intermatic IG1240RC3 can be installed by a line-side professional electrician as a Class 1 device on the main power line or as a Class 2 device near the main circuit breaker panel. Durable, weather-resistant plastic housing meets NEMA 3R standard for indoor and outdoor use. Provides protection up to 50 kA and up to six modes.
A unique feature of this device is the use of replaceable modules. After one or more surges, depending on the severity, almost all other surge protection devices throughout the house must be completely replaced. In contrast, Intermatic allows individual modules to be replaced by simply disconnecting the device. This can lead to significant savings over time, especially in areas prone to lightning strikes.
This high quality Type 1 and Type 2 whole house surge protector from Intermatic is one of the most advanced systems available and uses thermally protected metal oxide varistors (TPMOVs) to greatly reduce the likelihood of unexpected failure. Can be installed before or after service entrances and metering cabinets, but the enclosure is only suitable for indoor use, not outdoor use.
While most surge protectors have four protection modes (a way to remove surges from home electrical equipment), the IG2240 offers six protection modes. At 50 kA per channel and two channels, the total protection rating reaches 100 kA, which is enough to handle almost any voltage surge.
Intermatic’s UL listed surge protectors feature clear LED indicators to indicate the on and protected status. If one of the three independent modules fails due to overload, the built-in power switch allows the line filter to be isolated, making replacement easy and safe.
Before you get started, it’s important to fully understand the features of a whole house surge protector and how they will impact your purchasing decision. Below is a detailed guide to the many technical and safety considerations you should consider when purchasing the best surge protector for your whole home.
Although they are often called “surge protectors”, they are technically “surge protectors”. When choosing which surge protector is best for your home, you need to consider which category they fall into. Some are designed to protect individual items from damage caused by power surges, while others (which is the focus of this article) provide protection for your entire home from power surges. The latter comes in two different forms, resulting in three types of SPD.
Class 1 equipment provides the highest level of protection from external power sources and also provides general protection against internal overvoltages. Low power surges may pass, but they are usually not destructive. These surge protectors are installed where the utility company’s power supply meets the main circuit breaker, called the “line side.” This means that electricity cannot enter the home without passing through the SPD, so only a safe level of electricity can pass through.
Installation requires disconnecting the household power supply during the work. Installation also needs to be done by a qualified electrician, which adds significantly to the cost. In some cases, it will be necessary to notify the utility company before work begins, although the contractor must make appropriate arrangements.
Type 2 surge protectors are probably the most popular type of surge protector and can be installed somewhere in or near the main circuit breaker panel (also called the load center). Any DIYer with the necessary electrical experience can perform the installation. However, while it is not necessary to engage a qualified electrician to carry out this work, those who are not entirely confident in their abilities should at least consult one.
Depending on the user configuration, Type 2 surge protectors can protect individual circuits or all circuits within an electrical panel, as well as auxiliary panels located downstream of it. Many devices provide a level of protection similar to Class 1 devices, but it is important to check the specifications.
NOTE. Recent National Fire Protection Association regulations recommend that all new homes have Class 1 or 2 equipment installed as standard, and that any replacement service panel installed in an existing home include the same.
Often called “strip surge protectors” or “outlet surge protectors,” these are popular and inexpensive devices that plug into any household outlet. They typically have four to six additional outlets and are a convenient way to protect low-power devices such as televisions, computers, or game consoles.
Technically, these gadgets are lightning rods. Unlike type 1 and type 2 surge protectors, they do not absorb excess power, but transfer it to the ground wire. Although they are effective in most situations, it would be a mistake to assume that they provide complete protection. It is also important not to confuse them with regular extension cords, which often look similar but do not have surge protection components.
UL, formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, is a globally recognized independent testing and safety certification organization. The current standard for surge protective devices is UL 1449 (3rd edition). The term “UL listed” is often used. Whole-house surge protection devices must also be listed as transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS) and are usually labeled as such on the device.
UL 1449 covers many aspects of an SPD, including how quickly it responds to surges, the current required to operate, and the level of protection it provides. To pass the test, the whole house surge protector must provide results within specified limits for 15 consecutive tests.
Equipment can also be CSA rated. It is a highly respected global organization and the certification underscores the high standards of equipment safety.
The US voltage rating (the voltage supplied to household outlets) is 110/120 volts. In many other countries the voltage is 220/240 volts. Whole house surge protectors can usually switch to either one, but it’s worth checking.
The maximum continuous operating voltage (MCOV) is the amount of voltage that a surge protector will allow without tripping. For example, the device will shut down every time the voltage reaches 121V, causing unnecessary wear and tear, so the MCOV is set a little higher. Typically, this provides a profit of 15% to 20%. For example, a 120V surge protector with a 20% margin has an MCOV of 144V.
Manufacturers of whole-house surge protectors often use terms such as “high voltage protection.” A lightning strike can send 30,000 volts into a home’s electrical system, so protecting against this energy source sounds really impressive. However, although voltage protection levels are calculated by UL and CSA in testing, they often do not appear in product details.
Most often, the title will indicate the surge protection rating. This is the amount of current that can be drawn, measured in kA, which is thousands of amps. The minimum value is usually 10 kA (10,000 amperes), but this depends on the type of equipment. The best whole-house surge protectors are typically rated above 30kA. This is usually sufficient for the most severe storms or power generation problems, although higher limits are common.
NEMA has a standardized rating system covering electrical equipment enclosures used in the United States that determines the environment in which specific equipment can be safely installed and used.
The NEMA rating has two aspects: the dust protection that the housing provides to the internal equipment, and the protection that the housing provides to those who may come into contact with it.
Whole house surge protectors vary greatly. NEMA 1 is the lowest rating, meaning the enclosure is suitable for indoor use and provides basic protection against electrical shock. On the other hand, products with a NEMA 4X rating are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, including marine applications, and provide protection from wind-blown dirt, sand, rain and more. Avoid purchasing surge protectors that are not NEMA rated.
While a single surge is unlikely to completely destroy your protection, equipment can fail after multiple events. If the SPD has done its job correctly so far, you may not even realize there is a problem. Fortunately, even the most basic whole-house surge protectors have LED displays to show that the device is working.
More sophisticated models may be equipped with additional indicators to indicate a fault, while others have an audible alarm. For those who use smart technology in their homes, there are integration options with smartphones and home automation systems to send detailed information about power surges or surge protection status to a smartphone or tablet.
Anyone with sufficient knowledge of the functions of the main breaker panel can install a Type 2 surge protector for a whole house. The required breaker volume and amperage may vary. It is important to understand that you are dealing with high voltage, so if you are in doubt or unsure of your capabilities, it is recommended that you consult or hire a qualified professional electrician.
Post time: Mar-15-2024