Surge Protection Devices

brycenesbitt said:
There is no reason to "worry" about it going bad, it "will" go bad. The SPD's have a lifetime, and are a maintenance item.
(In the plumbing world many places prohibit AAV's for this exact reason: while they last a long time, they don't last forever, and that's not acceptable everywhere. )

With the SPD's:

Will anyone ever change one?
Do people press the button to test smoke detectors weekly?
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At least most TVSS's have a green light on them, so seeing when they are used up is easy. It would be easier if they went red when dead. I've been using TVSS's for years and never had one go bad. But we don't have that much lightning here in the PNW. That could go back to the question of are they really needed...
 
suemarkp said:
Good question. Code says you do. But you're right, if something needs surge protection, they should have built it into the device.
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Which brings up an interesting question.
When a surge destroys a typical AFCI, what happens? Is failing open the best case or worst case?
What about for critical loads like sumps / refrigeration / critical HVAC ?
 
suemarkp said:
Good question. Code says you do. But you're right, if something needs surge protection, they should have built it into the device.
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But it is best to use multiple levels of SPD. Many manufacturers recommend at least two levels.

The concept is based on it being very hard to build a service entrance size, one capable of many amps and high voltages, into a small package. Put a large SPD, say 600V clamping level and 25kA at the service or feeder and then a smaller unit at the point of use, say capable of 160V clamping and 1500kA, internal to a device.
 
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