—

W H I T E PA P E R

Regulatory and industry updates

for surge protective devices (SPDs)

The National Electrical Code® (NEC),

sets minimum standards for safe
electrical design, installation and
inspection to keep people and
property protected from electrical
hazards. NEC requires the use of
SPDs in applications such as
emergency facilities, renewable
energy, and in 2020 edition, the NEC
expanded its requirements to
include dwelling units [1].

What is a surge? they can add up over time, weakening the sensitive
A power surge or transient is a subcycle disturbance in circuitry in today’s electronic devices. External
the ac waveform that is evidenced by a sharp, brief disturbances, like surges from utility line switching or
discontinuity of the waveform[2]. In the United States, lightning, occur approximately 20 percent of the time,
standard voltage for residential and commercial but their strength can be devastating [4].
structures is 120 and 240 volts [3]. When the voltage
deviates from these levels, damage can occur to Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) help prevent damage
connected equipment. to electrical equipment, electronic devices, or
appliances. They also play a critical role during an
Electrical surges can cause disruptions in computer emergency or for the proper operation of the
signals and microprocessors, degradation of electrical grid. Knowing and specifying the correct
component junctions that cause random, delayed type of SPD for the applications or using the right
failure, or instant damage to electrical components. methods to test SPDs is critical.

While lightning might be thought to be the major

cause of electrical surges, it actually is one of the least
common. Approximately 80 percent of surges are
caused by internal disturbances, such as load
switching, variable frequency drives, lighting and
HVAC systems. Even though surges from internal
disturbances are usually relatively low in intensity,
2 R E G U L AT O R Y A N D I N D U S T R Y U P D AT E S F O R S U R G E P R O T E C T I V E D E V I C E S ( S P D S )

—
Emergency systems surge protection

SPDs are designed to relieve pressure-sensitive the protection and reliability of power infrastruc-
valves, diverting this extra current to ground. ture for critical operations power systems (COPS)
located inside critical facilities. COPS areas are
At the heart of many SPDs are metal oxide varistors identified by government agencies and autorities
(MOVs) that have an internal crystalline structure, having jurisdiction (AHJs) and designated by spe-
containing zinc oxide. When exposed to over- cific codes listed within Section 708.
voltage, or a transient surge, the varistors switch
from a nearly open state to a clamping state. This One can have a designated critical operations area
is enough to bridge the gaps within the crystalline (DCOS) or COPS within a critical facility. Critical
structure, and the MOV becomes an active part of facilities include any entity that, if damaged, might
the circuit, providing an attractive path to ground disrupt national security, the economy, public
to protect the equipment downstream. health or safety. Obvious critical facilities include:
• Law enforcement
Turn-on voltage: This is the level at which the MOV • Fire departments
begins to activate. • Military installations
• Hospitals, doctors’ offices
Clamping voltage (also referred to as “let-through • Financial institutions
voltage”): This specifies the voltage that will be • Water and wastewater treatment
seen by the downstream (connected) equipment. • Airports and air traffic control
Clamping voltages vary and they also are directly • Traffic light systems
influenced even more so by the quality of the SPD • Other government agencies
installation . According to the UL 1449 4th Edition
VPR (voltage protective rating) surge value of 6 Both the NEC and National Electrical Manufacturers
kV/3 kA, a good clamping voltage for a 120 V Association (NEMA) specify that SPDs must be used
system would be 700 or 800 volts. A lower clamping for each voltage level of the facility’s service
voltage indicates better protection. entrance and distribution panels:
• NEC Article 708.20 (D): Surge protection
Critical operations power systems devices shall be provided at all facility
NEC guidelines have been established to increase distribution voltage levels[5].
W H I T E PA P E R 3

Emergency systems NFPA 70-2020 Surge Protection.

• NEC Article 700.8: A listed SPD shall • Surge Protective Device - All services supplying
be installed in or on all emergency switchboards dwelling units shall be provided with a surge
and panel boards [5]. protective device (SPD).
• Location - The surge protective device shall be an
Wind electrical system protection integral part of the service equipment or shall be
NEC also specifies that SPDs must be incorporated located immediately adjacent thereto. Exception:
into wind-powered electrical supply systems to The surge protective device shall not be required
prevent damage from surges. to be located in the service equipment if located
• NEC Article 694.10 (D) states: An SPD shall be at each next level distribution equipment
installed between a wind electric system and any downstream toward the load.
loads served by the premises electrical system [5]. • Type - The surge protective device shall be a Type
1 or Type 2 SPD.
Dwelling units • Replacement - Where service equipment is
NEC requires that new and replaced service replaced, all of the requirements of this section
equipment supplying dwellings are protected by shall apply[6].
listed Type 1 or Type 2 Surge Protective Devices.
These protect electrical devices and appliances
that may not be protected by point-of-use SPDs. It
is estimated that the average home has over
$15,000 worth of equipment that can be damaged
by surges[1].
4 R E G U L AT O R Y A N D I N D U S T R Y U P D AT E S F O R S U R G E P R O T E C T I V E D E V I C E S ( S P D S )

—
Types of surge protection devices

— Type 1 SPD — Line side Type 4 SPD

01. SPDs for mounting
on main distribution Type 1: Permanently connected, intended for Type 4 SPDs are considered component SPDs.
— installation between the secondary of the service Component SPDs typically consist of one or more
02. SPDs for mounting
on sub distribution transformer and the line side of the service Type 5 components assembled together[7]. Type 4
— disconnect overcurrent device [7](service SPDs are not intended to be used by themselves,
03. Component SPDs
— equipment). Their main purpose is to protect and must be integrated into other systems.
04. SPDs for protection of insulation levels of the electrical system against • Type 1 component assembly is a Type 4 SPD that,
downstream equipment
external surges caused by lightning or utility once installed inside another piece of equipment,
capacitor bank switching (does not require an would be tested as a Type 1 SPD (would not
upstream fuse or breaker). require external over-current protection).
• Type 2 component assembly is a Type 4 SPD that,
Type 2 SPD — Load side once installed inside another piece of equipment,
A Type 2: Permanently connected, intended for would be tested as a Type 2 SPD (would require
installation on the load side of the service external over-current protection).
disconnect overcurrent device [7] (service
equipment), including brand panel locations. Their Type 5 SPD
main purpose is to protect the sensitive electronics Discrete component surge protection devices,
and microprocessor based loads against residual such as MOVs that may be mounted on a printed
lightning energy, motor generated surges and wiring board, connected by its leads or provided
other internally generated surge events. within an enclosure with mounting means and
wiring terminations. These Type 5 SPD components
Type 3 SPD are incomplete as an SPD, require further
Type 3: Point-of-utilization SPDs installed at a evaluation and are not permitted to be installed in
minimum conductor length of 10 meters (30 feet) the field as a stand-alone SPD. Type 5 SPDs are
from the electrical service panel to the point-of- generally the components used in the design and
utilization[7]. Examples include cord connected, construction of complete SPDs or other SPD
direct plug-in and receptacle type SPDs. assemblies[7].

— —
01 02
 W H I T E PA P E R 5

—
Ensuring proper function

Surge protection devices are available in a range To help provide confidence that the SPD will
of ratings to accomodate the level of protection perform at its stated strength and redundancy, it is
needed. Higher surge current ratings provide a level recommended that independent laboratory tests
of protection with greater redundancy that be conducted for any project requiring surge
intended to extend the useful life especially for protective devices.
installations where stronger and more frequent
surge activity will occur. However, much like any Additional resources
insurance policy, better protection comes at a The following links are additional resources on the
higher cost. NEC guidelines for surge protection in emergency
facilities and renewable energy applications:
Surge current ratings used to classify SPDs can be
determined in two ways: Electrical Safety Foundation International.
• Calculated: The surge current rating is the sum of https://www.esfi.org/program/surge-protective-
all the MOVs in a given mode or phase; three 50 kA devices-626
MOVs A-N are equal to 150 kA per mode. However,
there are elements that may reduce the ability of The NEMA Surge Protection Institute (NSPI) is
the SPD to successfully address a surge current of an educational outreach effort initiated by the
this calculated size. Design and assembly factors low voltage surge protective devices section
such as internal wiring, overcurrent protection of the National Electrical Manufacturers
devices and overall component quality can Association (NEMA).
diminish the SPD's ability to perform as http://www.nemasurge.org/
advertised.
• Independently verified: An independent testing A listing of each state and the status
laboratory tests the SPD to measure the surge of NEC adoption.
current rating. This ensures the SPD has https://www.nfpa.org/NEC/NEC-adoption-and-
successfully passed surge current testing that use/NEC-adoption-maps
meets or exceeds the SPD's surge current rating.

— —
03 04
6 R E G U L AT O R Y A N D I N D U S T R Y U P D AT E S F O R S U R G E P R O T E C T I V E D E V I C E S ( S P D S )

—
AC voltage SPD applications and location guide
Line side requires Type 1 SPD
per NEC 242 and UL 1449.
IEEE C62.41.2 Category C
• IEEE: Category C — Service entrance exposure Type 1 SPD
• NEC 242 and NRTL: SPD Type 1, 2 or equivalent
Type 4 Line side
• N and G are bonded (i.e., L-N and L-G are same)
Load side
• Higher available fault currents require
appropriate SCCR ratings Service
entrance
• Historical kA ratings:
- Per phase: 400 kA to 200 kA per phase
- Per mode: 200 kA to 100 kA per mode Surge current kA ratings for Type 1 UL 96A lightning protection
all categories are subjective. or 2 SPD system SPDs at service
(Per phase generally considered sum of L-N plus L-G) Consult SPD manufacturer entrances require 20 kA
for specific recommendations. L-N and UL mark.

IEEE C62.41.2 Category B

• IEEE: Category B — External remnant
or internally induced Distribution
• NEC 242 and NRTL: SPD Type 1, 2, or equivalent
Type 4
• L-N and L-G are different — need L-N, L-G and N-G
• Require appropriate SCCR ratings
Type 1 Indoor
• Historical kA ratings: or 2 SPD HVAC (VFD)
Indoor
- Per phase: 300 kA to 100 kA per phase
- Per mode: 150 kA to 50 kA per mode Outdoor
Equipment installed outside of the building could increase
(Per phase generally considered Sum of L-N plus L-G) exposure level to Category C. Consider effects of ground
potential rises from direct lightning strikes to earth.

Type 1 Wind or PV Type 1

or 2 SPD generation or 2 SPD

IEEE C62.41.2 Category A

• IEEE: Category A, maybe B, maybe C if outdoor
loads are connected
• NEC 242 and NRTL: SPD Type 1, 2 or equivalent Branch Branch
Type 4; could be Type 3
• L-N and L-G are different — need L-N, L-G and N-G
• Require appropriate SCCR ratings
• Historical kA ratings; “Pre” SPD UPS (or Type 1 Indoor
(Type 1) PDU, PDM) or 2 SPD lighting
- Per phase: 160 kA to 100 kA per phase
- Per mode: 80 kA to 50 kA per mode
(Per phase generally considered Sum of L-N plus L-G)

“Post” Computers Type 1 Outdoor

SPD or servers or 2 SPD lighting

Images depicted herein are for demonstration purposes. Each facility is different and user
needs may vary. Adjust accordingly, based on equipment value and/or downtime expenses.
 W H I T E PA P E R 7

Relevant SPD standards (1000 V and less):

• ANSI/UL 1449 — Surge protective devices
• UL 1283 — EMI/RFI filtering
• ANSI/IEEE C62.41.1 — Guide on surge environment
• ANSI/IEEE C62.41.2 — Characterization of surges
Gen set
• ANSI/IEEE C62.45 — Testing
Load side of the switch
protects service and gen set. • IEEE C62.62 — Testing
• IEEE C62.72 — Application guide

Type 1
or 2 SPD

ATS/STS

Distribution

Type 1 Type 1 MCC Type 1

or 2 SPD or 2 SPD or 2 SPD

Busway
Type 1
or 2 SPD

Protect both ends of the busway

against reflections.
Outdoor Type 1 Outdoor
lighting or 2 SPD HVAC (VFD)

Establishes a new reference to

ground, like a service entrance.
Separately L-N only may be sufficient.
Type 3 Small or office
SPD equipment derived system

Indoor Branch

Outdoor Branch Type 1 Type 1

or 2 SPD or 2 SPD
Type 1
or 2 SPD

Type 1 Outdoor Type 1 Outdoor Series Outdoor

or 2 SPD equipment or 2 SPD equipment SPD equipment

Equipment installed outside of the building could increase exposure level to Category C. Series or two-port SPDs may disconnect
Consider effects of ground potential rises from direct lightning strikes to earth. downstream loads at end of life.
 References
[1]
ESFI: 2020 National Electrical Code Major [5]
National electrical code handbook, 2014. (2014).
Changes." ESFI. https://www.esfi.org/ Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection.
resource/2020-national-electrical-code-731.
(accessed August 4, 2020). [6]
National electrical code handbook, 2020.
(2020). Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection
[2]
IEEE 1100™ - 2005, - IEEE Recommended Association.
Practice for Powering and Ground Electronic
Equipment (the Emerald Book). [7]
Surge Protective Device Type Application
Considerations. NEMA. https://www.
[3]
Electrical Voltages. Electrical101. http://www. nemasurge.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/
electrical101.com/electrical-voltages.html SPD-Type-Application-Considerations-Rev-
(Accessed August 05, 2020). Date-01-31-2013.pdf. (accessed August 4, 2020).

[4]
The Need for Surge Protection Devices . NEMA

Surge Protection Institute. https://www.

nemasurge.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/
Surges-What-Where-Why.pdf (accessed August
4, 2020).

1TQC1239E0004 WP REV.B AUGUST 2020

— — —
ABB Inc. Customer Service: 800-816-7809 We reserve the right to make technical We reserve all rights in this document and in
Electrification Products 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., CST, Monday–Friday changes or modify the contents of this the subject matter and illustrations contained
860 Ridge Lake Blvd. elec_custserv@us.abb.com document without prior notice. With regard therein. Any reproduction or utilization of its
Memphis, TN 38120 to purchase orders and/or contracts, the contents – in whole or in parts – is forbidden
Technical Support: 888-385-1221, Option 1 agreed particulars shall prevail. ABB Inc. without prior consent of ABB Inc. © ­ Copyright
7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., CST, Monday–Friday does not accept any r­ esponsibility 2020. All rights reserved
lvps.support@us.abb.com whatsoever for potential errors or possible
lack of information in this document.

electrification.us.abb.com