Is there a way to size Type 1 surge protectors?

[CharlieFer]

Pardon my ignorance as I’m trying to learn but is there 100A, 200A, 400A rated surge protectors and so on? Specifically type 1’s. I’ve been trying to find if there’s any info about sizing them to the service size but it seems they’re only sized at the amount they protect? Can someone smarter than me educate me or point me towards some good educational material perhaps? Much appreciated

 

[infinity]

I think that you more or less size them to your wallet. You can spend more money and get higher ratings but there is a point of diminishing returns. The higher rated devices will last longer as they'll be less likely to be destructed during something like an lighting event.

 

[CharlieFer]

I think that you more or less size them to your wallet. You can spend more money and get higher ratings but there is a point of diminishing returns. The higher rated devices will last longer as they'll be less likely to be destructed during something like an lighting event.

I see. So there’s nothing in the NEC sizing them? I have to install a Type 1 SPD on a 400A disconnect and the inspector told me to just size it according to the NEC and since then I’ve been frantically wondering what the heck he meant, cuz I never knew of the NEC sizing them in any way

 

[infinity]

I see. So there’s nothing in the NEC sizing them? I have to install a Type 1 SPD on a 400A disconnect and the inspector told me to just size it according to the NEC and since then I’ve been frantically wondering what the heck he meant, cuz I never knew of the NEC sizing them in any way

If you look in Article 242 there is nothing mentioned about the "size" of the SPD. In your case any listed Type 1 device would be code compliant.

 

[tom baker]

You get what you pay for, more is better. Mike Holt
There are SPDs either replaceable surge modules. Look at the Leviton product line for examples.