Surge protection for condominium service dwelling

[Cartoon1]

Hi,

This is for NEC2020, State Florida. Building with a main meter center with a main circuit breaker, this has 20 meters with their own circuit breaker to each unit. This feeds 20 condos panels. My understanding per NEC 2020 230.67 is that a surge protection device is required at the main meter center main circuit breaker (1000Amps 208/120V in this case). My question: is it required for the panels at each condo also?

For NEC2023 once it gets adapted here, is it also required at the panels?

Thank you,

 

[tom baker]

Each new NEC typically only applies to work done under that edition. There are a few cases where the NEC is retroactive, such as panel schedules and receptacle replacements.
But SPDs are important.
It might be possible to install a SPD at the service panel if there is a spare breaker, or see if the POCO has a meter with SPD. Individual unit SPDs are likely not possible at the service panel.
SPDs for each unit could be as simple as a branch ckt breaker with surge suppression

 

[Cartoon1]

Sorry i wasn't clear. This is going to be a new construction that falls under the NEC2020.

 

[Cartoon1]

Hi,

This is for NEC2020, State Florida. Building with a main meter center with a main circuit breaker, this has 20 meters with their own circuit breaker to each unit. This feeds 20 condos panels. My understanding per NEC 2020 230.67 is that a surge protection device is required at the main meter center main circuit breaker (1000Amps 208/120V in this case). My question: is it required for the panels at each condo also?

For NEC2023 once it gets adapted here, is it also required at the panels?

Thank you,

Need to add, this is for new construction*

 

[suemarkp]

See the exception to 230.67(B): The SPD shall not be required to be located at the service equipment as required in 230.67(B) if located at each next level distribution equipment downstream towards the load.

You will see similar requirements in NEC 215.18 for dwelling feeders but I don't see an exemption if there is one at the Service. The note says it is more effective being closer to the branch circuits.

So it looks like one at each dwelling feeder is required, but the one at the main service is optional.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

See the exception to 230.67(B): The SPD shall not be required to be located at the service equipment as required in 230.67(B) if located at each next level distribution equipment downstream towards the load.

You will see similar requirements in NEC 215.18 for dwelling feeders but I don't see an exemption if there is one at the Service. The note says it is more effective being closer to the branch circuits.

So it looks like one at each dwelling feeder is required, but the one at the main service is optional.

I read it as saying the one at the main service is the only one that is required and you can omit that if one is installed at each next level distribution point.
Note the OP said the 2020 code so 215.18 did not exist then.

 

[Cartoon1]

I read it as saying the one at the main service is the only one that is required and you can omit that if one is installed at each next level distribution point.
Note the OP said the 2020 code so 215.18 did not exist then.

Yes, this is for NEC2020 new construction. My understanding that if i can put one surge protection device at the main meter center (something like SPD rated for 200KA in this case), then the panels (main lugs only) at each condo doesn't require an SPD. But im not sure that is why i posted this question haha. Trying to get confirmation.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Yes, this is for NEC2020 new construction. My understanding that if i can put one surge protection device at the main meter center (something like SPD rated for 200KA in this case), then the panels (main lugs only) at each condo doesn't require an SPD. But im not sure that is why i posted this question haha. Trying to get confirmation.

That is how I understand the 2020 requirements.

 

[acrwc10]

The requirement is that "All Services supplying dwelling units" have an SPD, the utility feed is the service, so one at the main disconnect, for the service equipment, is all that is required. 50 meters with one main disconnect only needs one SPD.

 

[Cartoon1]

The requirement is that "All Services supplying dwelling units" have an SPD, the utility feed is the service, so one at the main disconnect, for the service equipment, is all that is required. 50 meters with one main disconnect only needs one SPD.

Thank you!!

 

[Ragin Cajun]

Just how do you connect a SPD at the meter center?

 

[acrwc10]

Just how do you connect a SPD at the meter center?

this would be different for the different types of service equipment. if there is cable between the units a line side tap would work, going to a fused disconnect. If it is bussing between the components you may need to drill and tap the buss. Too many different types to give a one size fits all answer. "How long is a piece of string?"