How to Meet 2023 NEC Surge Protection Requirements

Aging grid infrastructure and increasingly frequent natural disasters demand electrical products that maintain reliable power supply and keep residents safe in apartment buildings, hotels, dormitories, and other living spaces. Surge protection devices (SPDs) are essential tools for protecting electrical equipment, personnel, and buildings. These devices limit transient voltage and divert surge currents to support safe electrical installations.

Ensuring proper use of surge protection devices

As the preeminent electrical code in the country, the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides safety protocols for electrical installations and guidelines that help protect installers, residents, and property. New requirements outlined in the 2023 NEC include updates regarding the proper use of SPDs.

Everyone who works with SPDs, from electricians, to installers, distributors, and homeowners should be aware of these changes and understand how they impact electrical installations.

This blog will review the most recent changes to NEC requirements for surge protection from 2023. We’ll also discuss how these changes relate to and expand upon the 2020 code update and review recent updates to our line of SpikeShield™ SPDs to meet these new requirements.

Understanding 2020 NEC requirements

The National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70, is a regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. While surge protection requirements first appeared in the NEC code in 2002, surge protection did not become mandatory until the 2020 update.

Article 230.67 of the 2020 NEC details the following residential requirements for surge protection devices:

1. All services supplying dwelling units shall be provided with a SPD.
2. The SPD shall be an integral part of the service equipment or shall be located immediately adjacent to the equipment
3. The SPD must be a Type 1 or Type 2 SPD

What are the 2023 updates to NEC surge protection requirements?

In 2023, the language of article 230.67 was updated to further define the parameters of “dwelling units” referred to in section A. The code now dictates that all services supplying the following areas must have a surge protection device:

• Dwelling units
• Dormitory units
• Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels
• Areas of nursing homes/limited-care facilities/patient sleeping rooms

In addition to providing an update to section 230.67, the 2023 NEC also placed a greater emphasis on personnel safety by mandating the use of surge protection devices (SPDs). The section reads:

“Safety circuits for personnel protection that are subject to damage from surge events shall have surge protection installed with or immediately adjacent to the control panel.”

The new requirements outlined in the 2023 NEC have significant implications for the electrical industry. For electricians and installers, compliance with regulations is a legal requirement. Ensuring the safety of the occupants and the protection of property is essential to building customer confidence and trust.

Compliance made easy with new surge protection devices

Stationing surge protection devices both upstream and downstream is essential for meeting NEC requirements and protecting both residents and structures.

Hubbell Wiring Device Kellems has recently updated our line of SpikeShield™ Surge Protective Devices with additional products to meet 2023 NEC requirements. With this update, we now offer a cascading solution from the panel to the branch circuit to the point of use.

Type 1 Surge Protection Devices

Our type 1 SPDs are installed at the panel, ahead of the service entrance. These devices protect against external surges and direct lightning strikes. Installing surge protection devices prevents disturbances downstream while protecting equipment and residents.

Type 2 Surge Protection Devices

Built to protect equipment at the branch circuit, our type 2 SPDs are installed on the load side of service entrances and distribution panels. They provide protection from internal surges and indirect lightning strikes.

Explore our entire SpikeShield™ SPD product line

In addition to SPDs, we also offer surge protection receptacles and surge strips to protect user devices. Together, our SpikeShield product line provides a complete solution with protection at multiple levels that also meets the most recent NEC requirements.

Now that you know more about the recent changes to the NEC, explore all our SpikeShield™ SPDs or contact our team to learn more.