Electronic life saving equipment such as fire alarm systems, IDCI’s, GFCI’s, AFCI’s and smoke alarms, may be
damaged when a surge occurs due to lighting, internal local switching as well as external utility switching. Other
equipment is also damaged when subjected to surge. In many cases, electronic devices and equipment can be
damaged and rendered inoperable by a surge and yet this damage is undetected by the owner. It is practical to require
a SPD to provide a general level of protection. In almost all new service installations, as well as service upgrades, no
consideration is given to providing a general level of protection to the “whole structure” which would include those
devices that cannot be afforded a cord connected Type 3 SPD protection. First level subdivision (D) is included to
require that when a service is upgraded, an SPD is to be installed.
For example, in 2002, the product standard for GFCI’s was revised due to documented failures of devices that were
occurred when the devices were subjected to transients. The fact that the electrical industry redesigned GFCI
technology to address well documented damage to these life saving devices is reason enough to require whole
house/structure SPD protection. The changes that were made do not prevent the GFCI from being damaged but rather
provide a requirement for these devices to self-test and determine if they were damaged and are no longer functioning
properly.
Studies by recognized authorities including NEMA, IEEE, and UL, all substantiate the fact that surges can and do
cause significant damage. Nationwide Insurance organizations recognize the need for effective surge protection as
well and have published recommendations that include point-of-use surge protectors and installation of surge
protection at service equipment.
The NEC must mandate a minimum requirement for surge protection in all services. It is “practical” to provide this
minimum and feasible level of protection for all electronic life saving devices already mandated within the NEC. See
Section 90.1 of the NEC,