[JonCiccarone]

Hello all,
What do you guys think of load center mounted surge protectors, like this one:
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Square-D/203540660

Necessary? Unnecessary? Also, can these be mounted to a sub panel that is directly next to a main load center? Considering installing one but I've heard mixed opinions on them.

Thanks for any advice,
JC

 

[teamo]

They are useful but the type that mount on the exterior of the panel use a double pole breaker to power them and you lose the use of the breaker space. I have one made by the panel manufacturer (Murray) that uses a whole house surge suppressor that also doubles as two single pole breakers so there is no loss of breaker space. They also recommend that you use individual surge suppressor power strips for your sensitive electronics in addition to the whole house suppressor.

 

[JonCiccarone]

They are useful but the type that mount on the exterior of the panel use a double pole breaker to power them and you lose the use of the breaker space. I have one made by the panel manufacturer (Murray) that uses a whole house surge suppressor that also doubles as two single pole breakers so there is no loss of breaker space. They also recommend that you use individual surge suppressor power strips for your sensitive electronics in addition to the whole house suppressor.

Hey teamo, thanks for the advice. Breaker space is not something I'm worried about right now as I'm planning to put a fairly large sub panel directly next to my main load center. Is there a problem with putting one of these panel-mounted units on a sub panel because it is far away from the SEC? thanks again.

JC

 

[Plumbvoltage]

I have the Murray that is two 20 amps breakers also in my panel. I believe you want it to be as close on the bus to the incoming power as you can get.

 

[gregzoll]

I use a Intermatic on my panel. Most POCO's will install the unit between the meter and pan, which is a whole lot better then just at the pan. Also make sure that you are still using surge strips. For my furnace and power vent water heater, I installed a Leviton Surge outlet to protect both. The power vent plugs into it, the furnace is tied in on the Load side screws.

 

[gregzoll]

I have the Murray that is two 20 amps breakers also in my panel. I believe you want it to be as close on the bus to the incoming power as you can get.

The breakers can be installed anywhere on the panel. The handles cannot be tied and they suggest not to use a Single handle Double pole.

 

[JonCiccarone]

I have the Murray that is two 20 amps breakers also in my panel. I believe you want it to be as close on the bus to the incoming power as you can get.

The breakers can be installed anywhere on the panel. The handles cannot be tied and they suggest not to use a Single handle Double pole.

Even on a sub panel? The sub panel will be located right next to the main load center. And do you mean that it's suggested to use 2 separate single pole breakers versus a double pole breaker with a handle tie? What would be the reasoning behind that? Just curious

 

[n20michael]

Does anyone make a reasonable priced whole house voltage stabilizer?

 

[jreagan]

The instructions on the Leviton I have says to use slots as "close to the top" as possible. That helps shunt a surge before it goes down to other circuits. The surge isn't instant across all the circuits.

 

[Know A Little]

The instructions on the Leviton I have says to use slots as "close to the top" as possible. That helps shunt a surge before it goes down to other circuits. The surge isn't instant across all the circuits.

You want them as close to the incoming feed as possible, be that top or bottom.

If you install a separate TVSS/SPD you want the leads as short as possible, no tight bends in the conductors ty-wrapped or tapped together. Read the instructions or make sure the installing contractor doe.

AS noted point of use will provide additional protection.

 

[gregzoll]

Even on a sub panel? The sub panel will be located right next to the main load center. And do you mean that it's suggested to use 2 separate single pole breakers versus a double pole breaker with a handle tie? What would be the reasoning behind that? Just curious

It needs to be on the main panel or one thatfits on the meter and attached to the base. Those are the best ones, but cost a lot more.

 

[JonCiccarone]

It needs to be on the main panel or one thatfits on the meter and attached to the base. Those are the best ones, but cost a lot more.

Ok great, thanks!