Surge Protective Devices (SPD).
DIN-rail Mount
- DIN-rail mountable
- Single, Split, and 3 Phase Protection models
- Remote contact for status indication
- 75kA surge capacity
- Features thermally protected MOV (TPMOV®) technology; eliminates overheating and potential fire hazard of the protective components (TPMOV) during a prolonged surge event.
- 200 KA Short Circuit Rating requires no additional overcurrent protection
- UL 1449 Type 1 and Type 2 for use in either Service Entrance or Load Side installations
- Replaceable cartridges
External Panel Mount
- Single, Split, and 3 Phase Protection models
- LED, Audible, and remote contact for status indication
- 50kA surge capacity
- Features thermally protected MOV (TPMOV®) technology; eliminates overheating and potential fire hazard of the protective components (TPMOV) during a prolonged surge event.
- 200 KA Short Circuit Current Rating requires no additional overcurrent protection
- UL 1449 Type 1 and Type 2 for use in either Service Entrance or Load Side installations
- UL96A approved for required component in lightning protection systems
Solar PV DIN-Rail Mount
- DIN rail mountable
- 600V, 1000V, and 1500V Protection models
- Remote contact for status indication
- 10kA surge capacity
- Features thermally protected MOV (TPMOV®) technology; eliminates overheating and potential fire hazard of the protective components (TPMOV) during a prolonged surge event.
- Up to 100 KA Short Circuit Rating requires no additional overcurrent protection
- UL 1449 Type 2 for use in Load Side installations
- Replaceable cartridges
Residential Surge Protection
- Whole-house surge protection
- Load center mount model snaps into most major brand load center double pole breaker slots such as Eaton, Siemens, Murray, ABB, General Electric, Schneider, and Square D
- External panel mount model mounts using 1/2” knockouts
- LED status indicator
- Single and Split Phase Protection
- Features thermally protected MOV (TPMOV®) technology; eliminates overheating and potential fire hazard of the protective components (TPMOV) during a prolonged surge event.
- Meets NEC 2020 230.67 requirements for residential dwellings
- UL 1449 Type 1 and Type 2 for use in either Service Entrance or Load Side installations
- External panel mount model is UL96A approved for required component in lightning protection systems
What is the power system configuration to be protected?
Mersen SPDs are designed for specific power system configurations. In addition to single and split-phase power source SPDs, 3 phase SPDs are designed for WYE and Delta secondary supplies. The proper 3 phase SPD must be selected for proper protection.
Selection Notes:
- The electrical system is based on the secondary side of upstream transformer, NOT by how the load is connected.
- Most SPD mis-orders are misunderstandings related to grounding or neutrals
- Grounded system means that the system is referenced to ground, NOT that there is a safety ground.
- By convention, ground wires are not counted as one of the wires (3-wire, 4-wire, etc.)
Power System Configurations
Order Codes: - Order codes in the part number indicate what power system configuration that SPD is compatible with.
- The diagrams below list the applicable order code(s) for each power system configuration
What is a Surge Protective Device?
A surge protective device (SPD) protects electrical and electronic equipment from overvoltage conditions that that can cause damage or destruction of the protected devices. SPDs operate by directing overvoltage to ground, while allowing the specified operating voltage to remain on the protected equipment. SPDs models are available for external panel mounting, DIN-Rail mounting and load center (breaker panel/panel board/breaker box) installation.
Where are SPDs used?
SPDs are used in applications where electrical power disturbances can cause disruption of operations, equipment damage, data loss, and personnel safety. Some examples of such locations and equipment are:
- Industrial Facility Power Distribution Panels
- Industrial Control Panels
- Remote Sewage Lift Stations
- Motor Control Centers
- Commercial Buildings
- HVAC Systems
- Lighting Systems
- I/T Power Systems
- Medical Critical Care Power Systems
- Home appliances, HVAC Systems, and Electronics
Where within the electrical system will the SPD be used?
UL SPD Type 1 SPDs must be used on the power utility line side. Type 1 SPDs can be used anywhere within the electrical system. Type 2 SPDs can be used anywhere after the first overcurrent device at the service equipment in the electrical system. Figure 1. below depicts a commercial, industrial, or residential model for determining the Type Rating for the SPD.
What are Cascaded (Layered) SPDs?
Cascaded or Layered SPDs provide more protection against electrical disturbances. The closer the SPD is to the protected equipment, the more effective the protection. Installing an SPD at distribution panels protect the downstream branch panels. Depending on the equipment powered from the branch, an SPD will further protect the equipment fed from that branch panel. SPDs installed in sensitive equipment like control panels benefit from having individual SPD protection.
Where will the SPD be mounted?
The FactoryMation SPDs by Mersen are available in external panel mount, DIN-Rail mount, and load center mount for residential load centers. The external panel mounts use industry standard knockouts
Who uses SPDs?
SPDs are used where power surges must be minimized. These facilities include:
- Factories
- Water / Wastewater Plants
- Data Centers
- Hospitals
- Office Buildings
- Aviation and Transportation Control Centers
- Food Processing Plants
- Residential Dwellings
Who uses SPDs?
SPDs are required as specified in the National Electrical Code:
- Surge protection devices shall be provided at all facility voltage distribution levels for critical operation power systems (COPS). NEC 708.20
- Surge protection shall be provided for Critical Operations Data Systems. NEC 645.18
- Where any of the disconnecting means in 620.51 has been designated as supplying an emergency system load, surge protection shall be provided. NEC 620.51(E)
- A listed SPD shall be installed in or on all emergency systems switch boards and panel boards. NEC 700.8
- Industrial machinery with safety interlock circuits shall have surge protection installed. NEC 670.6
- A surge protection device shall be installed between a wind electric system and any loads served by the premise electrical system. NEC 694.7 (D)
- A listed surge protection device shall be installed in or on the fire pump controller. NEC 695.15
- All services supplying dwelling units shall be provided with a surge protection device at the incoming electrical service equipment. NEC 230.67 Exception 230.67(B) allows for
- UL96A is the standard for lightning protection systems. Section 13.1 of UL96A specifies the requirement of SPDs for AC power as part of the total lightning protection system. Type 1 or Type 2 SPDs can be used as defined in 13.1. SPDs alone cannot protect against a direct lightning strike.
Where are Residential SPDs used?
SPDs are used in applications where electrical power disturbances can cause disruption of operations, equipment damage, data loss, and personnel safety. Some examples of such locations and equipment are:
- Home Office - Computer, Monitor, Printer
- Living / Family Room - Entertainment System, Television, Smart Thermostat
- Bedrooms - Mobile Devices (tablets, cell phones, games), Television
- Kitchen - Stove, Refrigerator, Small Appliances, Home Hub
- Laundry Room - Washer, Dryer
- Garage - Charging Station, Power Tools
- Utility Room - Furnace, Water Heater, HVAC
- External Systems - Rooftop Solar Panels, Wind Turbine, Security System

