Understanding the Different Types of Whole Home Surge Protectors
Power outages and electrical spikes can cause permanent damage to your home’s appliances and electronics, so it is essential to have a whole home surge protector installed. Eaton, Intermatic, Leviton and Siemens are some of the most popular brands when it comes to whole home surge protection. These protectors come in various sizes depending on the size of your residence, as well as different levels of voltage protection for added security. In this article we will discuss what you need to know about installing a whole home surge protector in your house, from understanding the different types available to installation requirements and tips for optimal performance.
What is the difference between Surge Protector Device Type 1 and Type 2?
Surge Protector Device Type 1 is designed to protect against power surges on the AC power line. It is intended to protect electrical equipment such as appliances, computers, and other devices that are connected to the electrical grid. Type 1 surge protectors typically include a series of metal oxide varistors (MOVs) that act as a "sacrificial" component to absorb excess voltage and divert it to ground, protecting the connected equipment from damage. Type 1 surge protectors are also known as "AC surge protectors" or "line surge protectors."
Surge Protector Device Type 2 is a device that is designed to protect against power surges on the AC power line as well as other lines such as telephone, cable, and Ethernet lines. It provides a higher level of protection compared to Type 1 surge protectors. It includes protection against both common and differential mode transients, providing protection to all connected equipment. Type 2 surge protectors are also known as "transient voltage surge suppressors" (TVSS), "whole-house surge protectors," or "whole-building surge suppressors." These type of devices are typically installed at the main electrical panel to protect the entire building.
What are the top brands for whole home surge protectors?
The top brands for whole home surge protectors are Eaton, Siemens, Leviton, and Intermatic:
Eaton: They offer a variety of panel-mounted surge protectors that provide protection for the entire home or building, including protection for sensitive electronic equipment.
Siemens: They offer a range of whole home surge protectors that are designed to protect against power surges on the AC power line and other lines such as telephone, cable, and Ethernet lines.
Leviton: They offer a variety of panel-mounted surge protectors that provide protection for the entire home or building, including protection for sensitive electronic equipment.
Intermatic: is another reputable brand that manufactures panel-mounted whole home surge protectors. They offer a variety of products that provide protection for the entire home or building, including protection for sensitive electronic equipment. Intermatic is known for their quality products and have been in the industry for over 100 years, they are one of the leading manufacturers of energy management solutions.
Top Models for panel mounted whole home surge protectors:
Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA
- Provides protection for the entire home or building, including protection for sensitive electronic equipment
- Includes protection against both common and differential mode transients
- Has a maximum continuous operating voltage of 125 VAC
- Has a maximum surge current per mode of 100,000 A per mode
- Has a response time of less than 1 nanosecond
- Has a status indicator light that shows the device's protection status
- Has a NEMA 4X rated enclosure for indoor or outdoor use
- UL 1449 4th Edition Listed
Eaton CHSPT2SURGE
- Provides protection for the entire home or building, including protection for sensitive electronic equipment
- Has a maximum continuous operating voltage of 125 VAC
- Has a maximum surge current per mode of 40,000 A per mode
- Has a response time of less than 1 nanosecond
- Has a status indicator light that shows the device's protection status
- Has a NEMA 4X rated enclosure for indoor or outdoor use
- UL 1449 3rd Edition Listed
- Compact design that fits in standard breaker panel
- Easy to install and maintain
Siemens FS140
- Provides protection for the entire home or building, including protection for sensitive electronic equipment
- Has a maximum continuous operating voltage of 125 VAC
- Has a maximum surge current per mode of 140,000 A per mode
- Has a response time of less than 25 nanoseconds
- Has a status indicator light that shows the device's protection status
- Has a NEMA 4X rated enclosure for indoor or outdoor use
- UL 1449 3rd Edition Listed
- Compact design that fits in standard breaker panel
- Easy to install and maintain
Siemens FS100
- Provides protection for the entire home or building, including protection for sensitive electronic equipment
- Has a maximum continuous operating voltage of 120/240 VAC
- Has a maximum surge current per mode of 100,000 A per mode
- Has a response time of less than 25 nanoseconds
- Has a status indicator light that shows the device's protection status
- Has a NEMA 4X rated enclosure for indoor or outdoor use
- UL 1449 3rd Edition Listed
- Compact design that fits in standard breaker panel
- Easy to install and maintain
Leviton 51120-1
- Provides protection for electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, and home theater systems
- Has a maximum surge current per mode of 36,000 Amps
- Has a response time of less than 1 nanosecond
- Has an LED status indicator to show the device's protection status
- Has a compact design that fits in standard wall outlets
- UL 1449 3rd Edition Listed
Intermatic AG3000
- Provides protection for electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, and home theater systems
- Has a maximum surge current per mode of 36,000 Amps
- Has a response time of less than 1 nanosecond
- Has an LED status indicator to show the device's protection status
- cULus Listed
Intermatic IG2240-IMSK
- Provides whole-home protection against power surges
- Has a maximum surge current per mode of 80,000 Amps
- Has a response time of less than 1 nanosecond
- Has a LED status indicator to show the device's protection status
- Compatible with 120/240VAC electrical systems
- cULus Listed
Intermatic IG1240RC3
- Provides protection for electronic equipment
- Has a maximum surge current per mode of 40,000 Amps
- Has a response time of less than 1 nanosecond
- Has a LED status indicator to show the device's protection status
- Compatible with 120/240VAC electrical systems
- cULus Listed
| Brand | Model | Joule Rating | Clamping Voltage | Response Time | Number of Outlets | Type of Protection | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eaton | CHSPT2ULTRA | 40,000 | 330V | <1 ns | 12 | voltage spike, brownout, blackout | Lifetime |
| Eaton | CHSPT2SURGE | 40,000 | 330V | <1 ns | 12 | voltage spike | Lifetime |
| Siemens | FS140 | 40,000 | 330V | <1 ns | 14 | voltage spike, brownout, blackout | Lifetime |
| Siemens | FS100 | 20,000 | 400V | <1 ns | 8 | voltage spike | Lifetime |
| Leviton | 51120-1 | 40,000 | 330V | <1 ns | 12 | voltage spike, brownout, blackout | Lifetime |
| Intermatic | IG1240RC3 | 40,000 | 330V | <1 ns | 12 | voltage spike, brownout, blackout | Lifetime |
| Intermatic | IG2240-IMSK | 40,000 | 330V | <1 ns | 4 | voltage spike, brownout | Lifetime |
Choosing a Whole Home Surge Protector
When it comes to choosing a whole home surge protector, there are many different options available. Eaton, Intermatic and Siemens all offer reliable solutions that provide protection against power surges with response times of less than one nanosecond. Each device also features status indicator lights so you can easily check the level of protection at any given time. Depending on your individual needs, each brand offers several models with varying levels of surge current per mode and compatibility with 120/240VAC electrical systems. Ultimately, selecting an appropriate model should be based on the specific requirements for your residence or building in order to ensure maximum safety from sudden power spikes and outages.