Service SPD

WCEI

WCEI

Senior Member
Location
Central Virginia
Occupation
President/Owner, Wayne Cook Electric, Inc.
Reference 230.67 2020NEC
I fully understand these requirements, but I was told by an AHJ, that in addition to this code requirement, that panels are now listed and labeled to have surge protection?

A little background, even though Virginia adopted the 2020 NEC on 1-16-24, the state chose not to mandate enforcement until 1-16-25.
Also, Virginia has an “existing installation” code, that allows replacing equipment, such as panels, without having to upgrade to the current code. So, in this particular case, current GFCI and AF provisions were not mandated, as was a disconnect ahead of the panel.

I believe that the provisions of 230.67 should likewise be exempt. The AHJ said no, because the equipment, (panels), are UL listed to have surge protection, and that requirement can not be waived. I can fully understand that, if in fact, all equipment is now listed this way, that SPD’s are mandatory.

This AHJ is renown for his code knowledge. Therefore, I have little doubt that what he states is not correct. But, I want to hear what you guys have to say. Are panels now listed to have surge protection?
 
WCEI said:
I fully understand these requirements, but I was told by an AHJ, that in addition to this code requirement, that panels are now listed and labeled to have surge protection?
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What does that mean? A panel must be listed and labeled as capable of having a SPD connected to it? Did this inspector provide a code reference?
 
I have never heard that equipment needs an SPD in order to be UL Listed for service entrance use.

The addition of an SPD is purely driven by the NEC and your AHJ.
 
I really need help here. The AHJ says the panel is listed to have SPD. Therefore it can’t fall under the exemption for replacing existing equipment. What I don’t get is “listed”! Listed by whom. Listed so to require SPD? Where is this listing?
 
WCEI said:
I really need help here. The AHJ says the panel is listed to have SPD. Therefore it can’t fall under the exemption for replacing existing equipment. What I don’t get is “listed”! Listed by whom. Listed so to require SPD? Where is this listing?
Click to expand...
I think that he's talking out of his butt. Why would a panel need to be listed for a SPD? The only possible thing I can think of is if it's a panel where the SPD is factory installed inside of the panel. Ultimately he is the only one who can answer your questions because this answer is out there in the ether. Ask him to show you documentation where this is written.
 
WCEI said:
I really need help here. The AHJ says the panel is listed to have SPD. Therefore it can’t fall under the exemption for replacing existing equipment. What I don’t get is “listed”! Listed by whom. Listed so to require SPD? Where is this listing?
Click to expand...

This all seems muddled. A panel listing document specifies what may be field installed in it, e.g. specific breaker series parts like "BR" or "MP-T". An SPD is either a given type, or it hooks to a breaker. Nothing special is required or implied by such a "listing". AFIK if you put in a listed breaker, you can hook that to a coffee machine, sex toy, or SPD without worry.

230.67 “A Type 1 or Type 2 surge protective
device (SPD) is required to be installed on
dwelling unit services. The SPD may be
integral to or adjacent to the electrical
service. Exception: The SPD shall not be required to be located in the service equipment as required in (B) if located at each next level distribution equipment downstream toward the load.

For some history on the march towards SPDs see:

 
UL 67 has nothing about the panel being listed for use with SPDs. The only thing is a supplement that covers classified Molded-Case Surge Protective Devices (SPDs).
 
WCEI said:
I really need help here. The AHJ says the panel is listed to have SPD. Therefore it can’t fall under the exemption for replacing existing equipment. What I don’t get is “listed”! Listed by whom. Listed so to require SPD? Where is this listing?
Click to expand...
A MLO panel that accepts a main breaker kit, is listed to have a main breaker. But that does not mean you have to install one.
 
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