Surge protector shopping guide
Use the following checklists when shopping for a surge protector or surge protective
device (SPD):
- UL certified: Tested under the UL 1449 3rd Edition standard, and listed as a
Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS). A UL listing of a "power tap" has not been tested as a
surge protector. This information should be on the equipment label.
- Voltage Protective Rating (VPR): The lower VPR – the better the protection.
For 120-volt plug-in type surge protector, this should not be greater than 330 volts.
- Modes of Protection: The best surge protectors protect L-N, N-G, and L-G.
- Protect communication ports: Cable, phone and satellite wires provide an
electric pathway into your equipment, and therefore also need protection. Some surge protectors have
additional ports to accommodate and protect these type of connections.
- Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (MCOV): MCOV is one of the most critical parameters
of the surge protector. MCOV should be displayed on the nameplate. For 120-volt plug-in type surge protector,
this should greater than 150 volts.
- UL certified: Tested under the UL 1449 3rd Edition standard, and listed as a Transient Voltage Surge
Suppressor (TVSS). This information should be on the equipment label.
- Voltage Protective Rating (VPR): The lower VPR – the better protection. It represents the
let-though voltage equipment receives after the surge protector did its job. If comparing a variety
of surge protectors, this parameter should be compared with same maximum discharge current and
modes of protection.
- Modes of Protection: The best surge protectors protect L-N, N-G, and L-G on both incoming lines.
- Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (MCOV): MCOV is one of the most critical parameters of the surge
protector. The MCOV rating of the surge protector should not be less than 115% of the system nominal
voltage (L-L and L-N). MCOV should be displayed on the nameplate.
- Installations should be performed by a licensed electrician, per the instructions of the surge
protector manufacturer, and the wire leads should be as short as possible without sharp bends.
Consult with your electrician.
- The surge protector should be able to be disconnected with a switch or circuit breaker.
- All wire terminations should be made with compression-type or set screw connections.
