What are the Regulations and Standards that Apply to SPDs?

There are seven industry standards that apply to surge protective devices (SPDs), whether they are connected to the electrical system through a plug-in connection or hard-wired connection to the facility wiring. 

Click on a standard below to learn more:

• IEEE C62.41-1991
• IEEE C62.45-1992
• IEEE C62.48-1995
• NEMA LS 1-1992 (R2000)
• UL 1449 Second Edition
• NFPA 70 (NEC^® 2002) Article 285

Safety-Related Information

All AC power SPDs for residential application should be UL 1449 Listed or Recognized. Non-UL listed or Non-recognized devices may create a fire or personal safety hazard. 

There are three basic types of SPDs for residential use:

1. cord connected/outlet mounted, 
2. hard wired to the breaker panel box, or 
3. an integral part of the receptacle. 

Cord connected devices may be installed by a layperson; types 2 and 3 should be installed by a licensed electrician. Residential surge protectors should self-monitor their status and indicate if a change in status occurs or a failure of the protector has occurred. The most common status-reporting feature utilizes indicator lights. In the event of a failure the unit should be disconnected and replaced immediately.

For additional information on residential surge protective devices, read “Surges Happen,” published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Special Publication #960-6.

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