NEC 2020 230.67 Sure Protection

[Jgarzon88]

Wanting to get some clarity specifically about the exception in this code

230.67-

(A) All services supplying dwelling units shall be provided with a surge-protective device

(B) Location: Be made an integral part of the service equipment or immediately adjacent thereto

Exception- The SPD shall not be required to be required to be located in the service equipment as required in (B) if located at each next level of distribution equipment downstream toward the load.

My question is based on a residential home scenario where I have an outdoor meter main combo that feeds an indoor load center. Does the exception allow for the SPD to be installed in the load center?

This scenario is based on the bus bar in the meter main combo being used to capacity (AC condenser units, pool equipment, irrigation clock, solar) in which case the SPD has no space.

 

[infinity]

My question is based on a residential home scenario where I have an outdoor meter main combo that feeds an indoor load center. Does the exception allow for the SPD to be installed in the load center?

This scenario is based on the bus bar in the meter main combo being used to capacity (AC condenser units, pool equipment, irrigation clock, solar) in which case the SPD has no space.

I believe that the exception assumes that there is no loads in the service equipment other than the supply to the downstream distribution equipment. What you're proposing defeats the purpose of having the SPD protect all of the loads.