Yes, surge protection is required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for certain installations, especially for dwelling units, dormitory units, guest rooms and suites in hotels and motels, and patient sleeping rooms in nursing homes. The 2020 NEC introduced the requirement for a surge protection device (SPD) for residential services, and the 2023 NEC expanded this to include feeder-supplied equipment in specific occupancy types.
Specifics of the Requirements:
- Dwelling Units, Dormitories, Hotels/Motels, and Nursing Homes: All services supplying these occupancies must have an SPD.
- Location: The SPD should be an integral part of the service equipment or located immediately adjacent to it.
- Type of SPD: The SPD must be a Type 1 or Type 2.
- Feeder-Supplied Equipment: Equipment supplying dwelling units, dormitory units, hotel/motel guest rooms, and nursing home patient sleeping rooms is also required to have an SPD.
- Service Replacements: When service equipment is replaced, all requirements for SPD installation apply.
Why is it Required?
The NEC requires surge protection to protect sensitive electronics and equipment from damage caused by electrical surges. This includes items like appliances, safety devices (like GFCIs and AFCIs), and smoke alarms. Surges can cause these devices to fail, potentially leading to safety hazards and financial losses.
Here's a Question?
How many homeowners have surge protection installed on their dishwasher? Refrigerator? Washer/Dryer or Stove? They are electrical, aren’t they? They are expensive to repair and replace right? So why aren’t they protected? That’s not the question. The question is, “How do you protect them?”Answer: Surge protection at the circuit breaker panel – thank you NEC!