How to select proper SPD

[Ponchik]

How does one select a surge protection device for a dwelling unit?
What do i need to look for? How do you size it?

I have always installed the SQUARE-D sdsb1175(C) and sbsd1175(R). But i am not sure if that is an overkill or good enough.


Thanks

 

[kwired]

How does one select a surge protection device for a dwelling unit?
What do i need to look for? How do you size it?

I have always installed the SQUARE-D sdsb1175(C) and sbsd1175(R). But i am not sure if that is an overkill or good enough.


Thanks

Units like that are good for general whole house protection - if you read instructions they usually tell you that you still need point of use protection for specific items. Both types compliment each other and result in better overall protection.

 

[Ponchik]

Units like that are good for general whole house protection - if you read instructions they usually tell you that you still need point of use protection for specific items. Both types compliment each other and result in better overall protection.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Ragin Cajun]

We have two services and have SPD's on each. In July we were hit HARD by lightning, pushing over $7000 in electronics as of this week. Not exactly sure how, we think it snuck in from the underground line to a water pump at the lake's edge. Where we had supplementary protection at point of use critical equipment, it helped. BUT - it also came in over the phone line, internal video cables (we have no cable, only an attic mounted antenna set, and from there to the Ethernet and USB ports taking out two computers and two printers - so far. It also took out several SPD's to boot.

Now I have at least six good Trip-Lite units in multiple locations that protect power, video, telephone, and Ethernet in one neat package. Have multiple high end dedicated phone and video SPD's, etc.

My point is you have to protect EVERYTHING!! From every direction! Don't skimp on the quality - or quantity.

Damage from lightning has significantly increased with the proliferation of sensitive electronics all over the house. Think of the microwave, frig, washer, drier, dish washer, TV's, computers, printers, wireless phones - that need 120V, all sorts of audio systems, fire/security systems, projectors, electronic T'stats, chargers for you cell phones, Kindles, tablets, etc. etc. The list goes on and on.

Good luck.

RC

 

[kwired]

We have two services and have SPD's on each. In July we were hit HARD by lightning, pushing over $7000 in electronics as of this week. Not exactly sure how, we think it snuck in from the underground line to a water pump at the lake's edge. Where we had supplementary protection at point of use critical equipment, it helped. BUT - it also came in over the phone line, internal video cables (we have no cable, only an attic mounted antenna set, and from there to the Ethernet and USB ports taking out two computers and two printers - so far. It also took out several SPD's to boot.

Now I have at least six good Trip-Lite units in multiple locations that protect power, video, telephone, and Ethernet in one neat package. Have multiple high end dedicated phone and video SPD's, etc.

My point is you have to protect EVERYTHING!! From every direction! Don't skimp on the quality - or quantity.

Damage from lightning has significantly increased with the proliferation of sensitive electronics all over the house. Think of the microwave, frig, washer, drier, dish washer, TV's, computers, printers, wireless phones - that need 120V, all sorts of audio systems, fire/security systems, projectors, electronic T'stats, chargers for you cell phones, Kindles, tablets, etc. etc. The list goes on and on.

Good luck.

RC

If it took out several SPD's the surge was likely more than the SPD's were designed for. SPD's are usually going to catch most of your normal operation transients but lightning is too unpredictable to be able to say they will protect. The closer the hit the more likely there will be some failures.