Whole house surge protectors

emaxxman

Due to severe winter storms in early 2011 and hurricane Irene, there were quite a few folks in my area (NW NJ) that experienced surges. I'd like to get one for my house. From what I can tell, the type 2 installation (SPD is installed in breaker panel) is similar to installing a new circuit breaker. That would be my way to go as I have installed 3 of those in my house.

I've seen two different models:

1) external (to the panel) model that ties into two existing breakers -and-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

2) internal model that actually clamps into the panel like a double pole breaker:

http://www.amazon.com/Siemens-QSA151...l_mb_hu_m_2_dp

Is there an advantage of one over the other?

Any specific models you recommend?

gregzoll

This topic comes up all of the time on here. Do a search and you will find that your answer is already out there.

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rrolleston

The external ones can be used on almost any panel but the internal ones that go in like a breaker have to be rated for your panel. We had a Siemens model in our Siemens panel and it worked great I have to get a replacement because our generator regulator failed and one leg was doing way over 120 and fried it. It would have probably still been in there if it was not for that.

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emaxxman

You make a good point. I didn't take into consideration that the internal ones had to match my panel. Not many choices in my area.

rrolleston

Matching or being listed for use in your panel. A supply house in your area may be able to help you with some solutions.

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Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.