Hello. I’m a new home inspector. Is a panel-based surge protector required at each electrical panel in a home? 2020 NEC? Code? Are there any situations where you wouldn’t see one and it would be ok? Thanks for the help!
There’s some nuance here.
Many jurisdictions aren’t using the 2020 NEC code, so that right there means you may not see one. There is also the type. A type 1 is in the meter base and it may not be visible.
I frequently see type 2 SPDs in panels, often double tapped on breakers.
This picture below had 3 of them, all were double tapped. Some breakers allow for two conductors. SquareD and Cutler Hammer have some series that allow this, it’s not all from those MFGs. Make sure you inspect the breaker before calling out a double tap, it could be legitimate.
The mains usually can’t be double tapped legitimately (there is probably an exception) so if you see that, you can generally call it out.
As Mark stated under the 2020 and 2023 NEC they’re required, generally only at the service equipment. There are a few things to look for, the aforementioned “double taps” which may or may not be permitted based on several factors. The other thing is that these units function best when their wire leads are kept as short as possible and the installion avoids any sharp bends in the wire.
If the SPD instructions require a separate circuit breaker then they cannot be double tapped even if the breaker woild allow for the connection of two conductors. Also generally SPD’s that are designed to go in the side of the panel through a KO cannot be left laying in the bottom of the panel.
Thank you! Very helpful!
Bobby Mascio
InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)®
Illuminate Home Inspections
This is great info! Thank you
Even when a state adapts the code they may have exclusions. SC for example has a long list of exclusions.
I never see surge protectors for panels. I’m in UT. Does anyone know if UT has different requirements? Could there be a hidden surge protector? Like in the meter?
Also, I never see GFCI breakers for ranges and dryers. Is there some other way to have GFCI protection for those that I can’t see? Even on new builds….
Not likely besides the NEC requires the protection to be at the service equipment.
If its not at the circuit breaker then it likely is not GFCI protected. So the real question is does Utah require it for new construction.
Utah uses the 2020 NEC here:
With these amendments:
Article 210.8 covers GFCI and Article 242 part II covers surge protection.
Article 210.12 is deleted (AFCI)’
Article 230.67 is deleted Surge Protection required (why you never see them)
While it is OK to familiarize yourself with this information, you are not CODE ENFORCEMENT. Avoid citing codes. Your local counties or municipalities may have adopted their own set of codes?
Wait, are you a code inspector working to final building permits?
Or a home inspector?
Move on.
That’s because that requirement was deleted in Utah’s NEC amendments. See post 9 above.
Great suggestion. I just like knowing. And also if I should have been calling it out, I want to make sure I do. It seems that in UT, from what I’ve been gathering, particularly from Mr Kenney, that surge protectors and gfci on ranges and dryers aren’t required. So I just won’t mention it?
That’s your call.
Myself, I would not mention anything at all about a non-required GFCI (just the mention can create a question or hassle).
I do mention that a whole house surge protector can “protect appliances and electronics”, without labeling the lack of a surge protector as a defect.
I would report on any non-grounded connectors on appliances. Be familiar with this plug chart, no green is no good:
Great advice. Thanks!
Bobby Mascio
InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)®
Illuminate Home Inspections
Double tapping the main lugs is the second most common issue I see. I keep the Nachi graphic ready and use it regularly.
Good stuff!