Surge Protection Devices

What is a surge protection device and what safety does it provide?

Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) protect sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and tablets from unwanted power surges or “spikes."

As utility grids become more unstable due to increased demand and decaying infrastructure, surges are becoming more frequent.  Additionally, increases in severe weather and storm activity make homes and business more susceptible to these surges, many of which are caused by lightning strikes.

Offered as a stand-alone accessory or as an integrated part of an automatic transfer switch, Generac’s whole-house surge protection device (SPD) guards against damaging surges and transients by blocking them from entering homes or businesses. It has thermally protected metal oxide varistors (MOVs) that help reduce the risk of thermal damage. Its compact, weather-resistant design offers installation flexibility.

 

Why are SPDs relevant to home standby generator installations?

In addition to the safety features mentioned above, as more states in the U.S. adopt new NEC (National Electrical Code) standards, more generator and transfer switch installations will require an SPD. 

• In Article 230.67, the NEC requires that surge protection devices be installed when electrical service has been replaced, as is the case with the installation of home standby generator systems.
• Surge protection devices are also a valuable enhancement to a home standby generator installation, as they add protection to the same home systems that are commonly backed up by the generator itself.

How to monitor my surge protection device status?

Whether as a stand-alone accessory or a transfer switch with the SPD integrated within, to monitor the status of your device, we recommend regularly inspecting for the green LED. Each SPD integrated transfer switch includes a viewable window that allows you to monitor its status. An illuminated green light indicates it is active and will automatically protect downstream electrical devices from damaging voltage transients.

What do I do in the event that my surge protection device has been hit by a surge / strike and service is needed?

If during a regular inspection you observe the absence of the illuminated green LED, this indicates that the device has done what it's designed to do: it has absorbed a damaging electrical surge, thereby protecting your home.  To replace your compromised Generac SPD, we recommend reaching out to one of our Generac Independent Authorized Service Dealers: How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?

Does the SPD protect the generator or the home?

The SPD in the ATS that comes with it only protects the home's loads (installed on T1 and T2). But does not protect the ATS or Generator. Most codes require the SPD only for protecting the home from lightning, utility surges, or generator surges. If you wanted to protect the generator as well, this would require a dealer to install a 2nd SPD on the N1 and N2. This could protect the generator from surges such as lightning strikes. 

What surge protection products does Generac offer?

In addition to our stand-alone SPD, which is ideal for retrofits to existing installations, Generac offers preinstalled SPDs in these service entrance rated automatic transfer switches to meet the requirements in NEC2020/23 Article 230.67​. See the full line up of Automatic Transfer Switches on Generac.com.

• 100A Model RXSW100A3SPD
• 150A Model G0099540
• 200A Model G0099510
• 200A Model RXSW200A3SPD (discontinued)

See also

• What is a Generac Load Manager (formerly Smart Management Module)?
• What is an Integrated Smart Air Conditioning Module (SACM)?
• How can I manage large appliance loads on my home standby generator?
• How does an automatic transfer switch (ATS) work?
• Service-entrance rated vs. non–service-entrance rated transfer switches
• Partial vs. whole-home automatic transfer switches
• How do I manually operate an automatic transfer switch?
• What accessories are available for my home standby generator?