SPD Education – Prosurge https://prosurge.com Maximum Safety in Surge Protection Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:40:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 Can I perform a Hi-Pot test after installing the SPD? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/can-i-perform-a-hi-pot-test-after-installing-the-spd/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:40:21 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=19024 No. Never perform a Hi-Pot test on an installed SPD. The SP Series contains surge protection components that can be affected by high-voltage testing. Follow the applicable electrical safety procedures and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Recommended Models / Applications:
All SP Series models – applicable during installation, commissioning, and electrical system testing.

]]> What wire size and tightening torque should be used for SP series SPD? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/what-wire-size-and-tightening-torque-should-be-used-for-sp-series-spd/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:39:13 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=19022 The SP Series terminals accept #12 AWG (4 mm²) to #2 AWG (35 mm²) solid conductors, or up to #4 AWG (25 mm²) stranded conductors. The recommended terminal tightening torque is 2 Nm.

Recommended Models / Applications:
All SP Series models – DIN-rail installation in commercial and industrial distribution systems.

]]> What should I check before installing the SP series SPD? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/what-should-i-check-before-installing-the-sp-series-spd/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:38:22 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=19020 Before installation, verify the SPD model, system voltage, wiring configuration, and connection terminals. The electrical supply must be completely switched off and locked out before installation or servicing. The neutral and ground connections must also be reliably connected.

Recommended Models / Applications:
All SP Series models – installation by qualified electrical personnel in accordance with applicable electrical codes.

]]> Where should I install the SP Series SPD? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/where-should-i-install-the-sp-series-spd/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:32:11 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=19018 The SP Series can be installed at the main distribution board or downstream sub-distribution panels. The SPD is connected in parallel with the electrical system and should be installed as close as practical to the equipment or distribution point being protected.

Recommended Models / Applications:
SP Series – main distribution boards, sub-distribution panels, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.

]]> What does the PROSURGE SP Series SPD protect against? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/what-does-the-prosurge-sp-series-spd-protect-against/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:29:23 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=19016 The SP Series SPD is designed to protect electrical systems and connected equipment against transient overvoltages caused by direct or indirect lightning and power system switching events. It is suitable for commercial and industrial electrical installations.

Recommended Models / Applications:
SP Series – suitable for service entrances, point-of-entry applications, and downstream distribution or sub-panels.

]]> What are the most critical safety precautions to follow when installing a Prosurge SPD? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/what-are-the-most-critical-safety-precautions-to-follow-when-installing-a-prosurge-spd/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:50:57 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=18993 SPD installation is a hazardous activity. The following safety rules must be strictly observed:

  1. De-energize the Circuit: ALWAYS disconnect and lock out all power sources to the panel before installation or servicing. Never work on live equipment.

  2. Qualified Personnel Only: Installation must be performed by a qualified electrician or trained personnel in compliance with all national and local electrical codes.

  3. Reliable Grounding: Ensure that the system’s Neutral (N) and Ground (G) are properly and reliably connected according to code. Improper or missing grounding will impair operation and may lead to SPD failure.

  4. NEVER Hi-Pot Test: Never perform a dielectric strength (Hi-Pot) test on a circuit with the SPD connected. The high test voltage will permanently damage or prematurely fail the SPD’s MOV components.

  5. Lead Length: Keep all connecting wires, especially the neutral wire, as short and straight as possible to minimize inductive impedance and maximize protection performance. Prosurge products provide ample lead length (e.g., 30 inches); cut off excess length rather than coiling it.

]]> What do VPR and MCOV mean, and why are they important specifications? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/what-do-vpr-and-mcov-mean-and-why-are-they-important-specifications/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:49:42 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=18991

  • VPR (Voltage Protection Rating): This is a key performance indicator defined by the UL 1449 standard. A lower VPR value signifies better clamping performance, meaning the SPD can limit the surge voltage to a lower level, providing superior protection for downstream sensitive electronic equipment. For example, for a 120/240V system, a lower L-N VPR (e.g., 600V) is preferable to a higher one (e.g., 1200V).

  • MCOV (Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage): This is the maximum RMS voltage the SPD can safely endure continuously. The MCOV rating of the chosen SPD must be higher than the nominal voltage of the electrical system it is protecting. For example, for a 120/240V system, the L-N MCOV should be 150V or higher. Using an SPD with an MCOV that is too low (e.g., installing a 120V-rated SPD on a 240V system) will cause the device to fail instantly due to continuous overvoltage.

    • ]]>         What is Prosurge’s “PTMOV” technology, and what are its advantages? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/what-is-prosurges-ptmov-technology-and-what-are-its-advantages/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:48:55 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=18989 PTMOV (Protected Thermally MOV) is Prosurge’s patented technology—a Metal Oxide Varistor with an integrated thermal protection mechanism and arc extinguish device. Its core advantages are:

    1. Superior Safety: Traditional MOVs can overheat and catch fire when subjected to continuous overvoltage or surges exceeding their rating. The PTMOV incorporates an internal thermal disconnector that swiftly and safely disconnects the MOV element from the circuit upon detecting abnormal temperature rise. Its advanced arc extinguishing technology effectively eliminates the risk of fire.

    2. High Fault Current Withstand Capability: Due to its excellent arc suppression, Prosurge SPDs based on PTMOV technology achieve a high Short-Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) of up to 200kArms. This means that even in the unlikely event of a failure, the SPD can withstand a fault current of up to 200,000 amperes without violent rupture or explosion, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. Most models achieve this SCCR without requiring an external fuse or circuit breaker, simplifying design and reducing system cost.

    ]]>         What is “Full Mode Protection,” and why is it important? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/what-is-full-mode-protection-and-why-is-it-important/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:46:14 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=18987 “Full Mode Protection” means the SPD provides surge suppression between all possible combinations of conductors in the power system, including:

    • L-N (Line-to-Neutral)

    • L-G (Line-to-Ground)

    • N-G (Neutral-to-Ground)

    • L-L (Line-to-Line, for split-phase or three-phase systems)

    Implementing full mode protection is a best practice because transient overvoltages can occur between any conductor combination. Most Prosurge panel SPD series (e.g., PSP C, HPSP, PS) offer a full mode protection option to ensure comprehensive protection. To accommodate different power distribution systems (e.g., delta systems without a neutral), Prosurge also provides customizable protection modes (e.g., L-G, L-L only).

    ]]>         What is the difference between UL Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs, and which one should I choose? https://prosurge.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-ul-type-1-and-type-2-spds-and-which-one-should-i-choose/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:45:34 +0000 https://prosurge.com/?post_type=avada_faq&p=18985 According to the ANSI/UL 1449 5th Edition, the installation location differentiates Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs:

    • Type 1 SPD: Designed for installation between the secondary of the service transformer and the line side of the service equipment overcurrent device. This includes the meter socket or the main breaker’s line side. They are intended to be installed without an external overcurrent protective device and have a very high capacity, capable of handling a portion of a direct lightning strike.

    • Type 2 SPD: Designed for installation on the load side of the service equipment overcurrent device. This is the most common location, at the output of the main breaker in the main distribution panel or in sub-panels, protecting downstream branch circuits.

    Selection Advice:

    • Choose Type 1 if your application requires the highest level of safety and withstand capability, such as when replacing an old SPD in the meter socket or when concerned about direct lightning strikes on the service entrance.

    • For the vast majority of new installations or retrofits, installing the SPD after the main breaker (Type 2) is the standard and most common practice.

    • Many Prosurge series (e.g., PSP C, HPSP, PS, 20PSP, PSP B) are dual-certified as both Type 1 and Type 2, offering maximum installation flexibility.

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