When do I need to fit a surge device?

According to the standard, if the installation has anything to do with human safety (i.e. a hospital or surgery or care home) or public service (i.e. library, IT data centre, transport) or commercial activity (i.e. trade park, industrial unit, workshop, hotel, farm etc.) then fitting surge devices is a default, yes it must be done, there is no need to do a risk assessment. Surges occur not just because of lightning strikes but often due to other electrical devices in the neighbourhood. This is because insurance companies have identified these areas as being the highest risk and most costly to pay out, a surge device mitigates against damage due to those damaging surges.

While performing daily chores, it’s easy to overlook electrical surges – and yet, they can cause extreme damage. Sensitive electric devices used for household appliances and entertainment – termed as ‘sensitive electronics’ – form the core of our existence. Weakly guarded devices can suffer greatly from undeterred electronic fluctuations. The worst case scenario consists of severe damage both financially and physically. We must understand in what manner and proactively what steps could be taken in this age of uncertainty.

The grid that our power provider uses to distribute electricity to our homes is very complex—but it can go through some problems now and then. Problems such as thunderstorms, downed power lines, outages due to technical failure, or internal malfunctions can affect the infrastructure. Along with these problems coming individually, they can also arise simultaneously. Whenever these outages occur, the devices of air conditioners and refrigerators, among others, are prone to voltage surges which results in catastrophic damage. The nature of such damage, which can either be a partial malfunction or total failure, can be a huge expense to fix.

Surge protection devices are essential in aiding such situations. As power surges can range from low voltage to high voltage, these devices manage the extent of damage that could potentially be caused by it. Surge protection device strangle the amount of voltage or energy that is given to sensitive electronics like computers and TV so modify peripherals don’t get damaged. As a result, the possibilities of malfunction, circuit damage, or fire are eliminated greatly. The users are also saved from the expensive foreseen repairs which are worsened if the device has stored data which costs additional in the end.

In the case of a power surge, a surge protective devicewill act as a shield for your electronics. However, it offers a multitude of other advantages as well. Having a power surge in the middle of your work may shorten the life of your devices, but surge protectors can improve their longevity. In addition, surge protectors will improve the safety of a home since the chances of an electrical fire due to a surge are diminished. Thus, spending money on a surge protector is not wasteful, rather a smart choice that gives you peace of mind knowing that your property and vital equipment are protected.

What is an SPD?

An SPD is an electrical appliance designed to protect circuits and associated facilities from damages caused by transient over-voltages & spikes. Basically, it protects your circuit and the connected electrical appliances from an uncontrolled voltage surge.

SPDs detect voltage surges & divert excess power to the ground to prevent electrical devices from being damaged. An electrical power surge, in simple terms, is when there is a significant increase in voltage that exceeds the standard voltage flow. The duration may be only a few seconds, or even less than a second, but as a result, electrical equipment can be damaged or in rare cases, destroyed if an SPD is not fitted. Electric surges can be caused by lightning strikes, faulty wiring or electrical overloads. Without SPDs, these surges can damage or destroy electrical equipment, including EV Chargers.

There are 3 types of SPDs.

Surge protection is not a universal topic, meaning that devices are meant to protect against surges customized based on need. Risks come in various levels and so do types of surge protection devices which are aimed at particular needs and vulnerabilities. Knowing the difference will help you make better and more precise decisions concerning the safeguarding of your home.

Type 1 (Class I SPD) is installed at the service entrance of an electrical system and designed to withstand high energy surges and protects the entire circuit from severe transient events. They are designed to be installed at the main electrical panel.

Type 2 (Class II) SPD is typically installed downstream from Type 1 at distribution panels. It works in combination with Type 1 SPDs, protecting against residual surges and lower energy transients. They offer a second layer of defence, preventing surges from travelling further into the network.

Type 3 (Class III) SPD is installed at the point of use and provides accurate and localized surge suppression against low-energy surges.

A number of things need taken into account when selecting the appropriate types of surge protection devices for your needs. As mentioned earlier, take into account the value and sensitivity of your sensitive electronics. Items that are expensive like home theater systems as well as professional workstations require heightened levels of protection. Consider the risk factor regarding external surges like lightning strikes depending on the home’s geographical location. Last but not the least, think about the budget and the expense related to the protection resources you decide to implement.

Safety First: Essential Precautions Before You Begin Installation

Dealing with electrics can be dangerous, so remember that installing surge protection is done at your own risk. It is recommended to follow a set of steps with the utmost caution, ensuring that no tools are picked up without following the predefined criteria. In case you are doubtful about your abilities or are not comfortable performing the work at hand, a qualified, licensed electrician should be hired. Remember that the risks associated with trying to do things on your own could, in the worst-case scenario, compromise the safety of both you and the electrical infrastructure of your house. Adherence to the national electrical code is crucial for safe installation.

Provided the basics mentioned above are not an issue for you, the following is a simple yet thorough method to help you confidently follow the necessary regulations:

- Main Breaker Should Be Turned Off: This is the single most important safety precaution to be considered. Ensure no components or wiring in the electrical service panel are touched before locating the main breaker. Start by locating the largest circuit breaker in the panel and turning it to ‘OFF.’ This will ensure that the entire house’s electricity circuit is powered off. It is equally critical to confirm with a voltage tester that the outlet you are working with is not live.

- Collect All The Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Put on appropriate safety gear such as insulated gloves and safety glasses. These items are designed to help prevent injury from accidental electrical shocks and flying debris, which can occur during installation.

- Lighting In The Workspace: Ensure there is sufficient light in the area where you will be working. Adequate lighting will help you see clearly, which is crucial to avoid mistakes during the installation process.

- In The Company of Other People: It is always a good idea to have someone else nearby when working with electrical wiring. This ensures that, in case of an emergency, help can be summoned quickly. Having a second person can be life-saving in critical situations.

- Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions: Read the installation manual carefully, as it contains specific details for the surge protector you are installing. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is essential for proper installation and functionality.

- Employ Appropriate Equipment: Make sure you have the proper tools for each specific task, and confirm that all tools are functioning properly. Using damaged or unsuitable tools can lead to accidents or damage to your equipment.

- Walk Step by Step: Avoid rushing through the installation process. A step-by-step approach ensures that every action is thoroughly performed, with careful verification of electrical connections to ensure everything is installed as intended.

- If In Doubt, Call a Professional: If you feel uncertain at any point during the installation process, don’t hesitate to call a trained and licensed electrician. When dealing with electricity, being overly cautious is always better, especially when working with the main electrical panel.

Final Conclusion: Safety should always be your top priority when working with electrical installations. Even with all the precautions in place, if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, it’s wise to seek professional help. An experienced, licensed electrician will ensure the job is done correctly and safely, protecting both you and your home’s electrical system. By adhering to the necessary precautions and codes, you can confidently proceed with your project while minimizing risks. Always remember: when in doubt, safety comes first!

If you are confident in your skills and have taken all the safety precautions needed, you can follow this general step-by-step guide to installing a surge protection device for your house. Note that this is a general guide, so you will always have to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the device you have and adhere to the national electrical code.

Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Make sure you have the following tools and materials ready. This preparation includes:

- A surge protection device for the entire house: Ensure it is appropriate for your home’s electrical system.

- Proper wiring type and size as per the manufacturer’s instructions and the National Electrical Code.

- Wire cutters: For cutting electrical wires to the appropriate length.

- A range of screwdrivers (including pliers of various sizes): For tightening and loosening connections.

- Pliers: To help secure wires and connections.

- Voltage meter: To test the electrical system and ensure everything is functioning safely.

- Drill and drill bits (if installation requires drilling).

- Bolts or mounting hardware (e.g., screws, which may be supplied with the device).

- Electrical tape: To secure connections and ensure safety.

- Personal protective equipment:

- Safety goggles: To protect your eyes during installation.

- Insulated gloves: To protect yourself from electrical hazards.

Locating Your Electrical Panel and Main Breaker

The electrical panel is typically a gray metallic box located in your home’s utility room, garage, or basement. Once located, find the main breaker. This is usually the largest breaker and positioned at the top of the panel. Make sure the main breaker is in the OFF position before proceeding.

Choosing Wiring Connections and Spaces for Surge Protectors

Many whole-house surge protection devices require a dedicated two-pole circuit breaker slot. Check your electrical service panel for available spaces. If there is no available slot, a licensed electrician may need to add an additional breaker space. Once you identify an available slot, plan where to connect the device wiring. Surge protectors are typically connected to the ground bus bar and the neutral bus bar or neutral terminal.

Mounting and Securing the Surge Protection Device

Most surge protection devices for the home are installed next to the electrical panel. Find a suitable location to mount the device, ensuring that the wiring can be connected without strain. Use the supplied mounting hardware to secure the device to the wall or side of the electrical panel.

Reviewing Installation Functionality

After completing the wiring and mounting steps, it’s time to check if the installation was done properly:

- Close the Electrical Panel: Gently close the main cover of your electrical panel.
- Turn On the Main Breaker: Flip the main breaker to the “ON” position.
- Check the Indicator Light: Many surge protectors have an indicator light showing the operational status. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to understand what each light pattern means. A green light typically indicates the device is functioning correctly.
- Test Individual Circuits (Optional): After installation, you may choose to test individual circuits to ensure that power is being supplied correctly throughout your home.