What sets Type 1 and Type 2 Surge Protection Devices (SPD) apart from each other?
Type 1 Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) are installed before the main service entrance, typically between the power transformer and the building’s main distribution panel. They are designed to handle high-energy lightning strikes and other external surges, and can operate without requiring an upstream overcurrent protection device. Type 1 SPDs are ideal for whole-house or building-wide protection, especially in regions prone to direct lightning exposure.
Type 2 SPDs, on the other hand, are installed after the main breaker, inside the distribution panel. They are optimized for protecting downstream electrical systems from switching surges, such as those caused by motors, HVAC units, and industrial equipment. Type 2 SPDs are the most commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical panels.
In short, Type 1 SPDs offer primary protection from external surges, while Type 2 SPDs provide secondary protection within the system. For comprehensive safety, many electrical systems use both types in combination.
This has led to the development of Type 1+2 surge protective devices, which combine the high-energy handling capabilities of Type 1 SPDs with the precise, responsive protection of Type 2 SPDs in a single, compact unit. Type 1+2 SPDs are ideal for installations where both direct lightning protection and internal surge suppression are required, such as in residential main panels, industrial control cabinets, and solar PV systems. This SPD simplifies installation, reduces space requirements, and ensures full-spectrum protection from both external and internal transient events.