Type 1 SPDs (Listed) – Permanently connected, hard-wired SPDs intended for installation between the secondary of the service transformer and the line side of the main service equipment overcurrent protective device, as well as the load side of the main service equipment (i.e. Type 1’s can be installed anywhere within the distribution system). Type 1 SPDs include watt-hour meter socket enclosure type SPDs. Being on the line side of the service disconnect where there are no overcurrent protective devices to protect an SPD, Type 1 SPDs must be listed without the use of an external overcurrent protective device. The Nominal Discharge Current Rating for Type 1 SPDs is either 10kA or 20kA.
Type 2 SPDs (Listed) – Permanently connected, hard-wired SPDs intended for installation on the load side of the main service equipment overcurrent protective device. These SPDs may also be installed at the main service equipment, but must be installed on the load side of the main service overcurrent protective device. Type 2 SPDs may or may not require an overcurrent protection device per their NRTL listing. If a specific overcurrent protection is required, the SPD’s NRTL listing file and labeling/instructions are required to note the size and type of overcurrent protective device. Note: In some cases the overcurrent protective device used can impact the nominal discharge rating of the SPD. For example, the SPD may have a 10 kA nominal discharge current rating when protected by a 30 Amp circuit breaker and a 20 kA nominal discharge current rating when protected by a different but specific make and model of overcurrent protection device. The Nominal Discharge Current Rating for Type 2 SPDs is 3 kA, 5 kA, 10 kA, or 20 kA.
Type 3 SPDs (Listed) – These SPDs are called, ‘Point of Utilization SPDs’, which are to be installed at a minimum conductor length of 10 meter (30 feet) from the electrical service panel unless they are evaluated at Type 2 SPDs (that is, they receive a Nominal Discharge Current Rating of 3 kA minimum). Typically, these are cord-connected surge strips, direct plug-in SPDs, or receptacle-type SPDs installed at the utilization equipment being protected (i.e. computers, copy machines, etc.).
Type 1, 2, 3 Component Assembly SPDs (Component Recognized) – These SPDs are intended to be factory installed into electrical distribution equipment or end-use equipment. These are Recognized Component SPDs evaluated for use in Type 1, 2 or 3 SPD applications. Such component SPDs must pass all the same electrical safety failure tests as listed Type 1, 2 or 3 SPDs. While these SPDs are 100% compliant from a safety failure testing point of view, these Type 1, 2 and 3 component assembly SPDs have conditions of acceptability such as exposed terminals or other mechanical construction that requires them to be installed or housed within a listed assembly to provide protection from exposure to live parts or other requirements. These Type 1, 2 or 3 Recognized Component SPDs should not be confused with ANSI/UL 1449-2006 Type 4 Component Assemblies and Type 5 discrete SPD components that require additional components (possibly safety disconnectors), design and testing in order to be used as a complete surge protective device.
Type 4 Component Assembly SPD (Component Recognized) –– These component assemblies consist of one or more Type 5 SPD components together with a disconnector (integral or external) or a means of complying with the limited current tests in UL 1449, Section 39.4. These are incomplete SPD assemblies, which typically are installed in listed end-use products as long as all conditions of acceptability are met. These Type 4 component assemblies are incomplete as an SPD, require further evaluation and are not permitted to be installed in the field as a stand-alone SPD. Often, these devices require additional overcurrent protection.
Type 5 SPD (Component Recognized) – Discrete component surge protection devices, such as MOVs that may be mounted on a printed wiring board, connected by its leads or provided within an enclosure with mounting means and wiring terminations. These Type 5 SPD components are incomplete as an SPD, require further evaluation and are not permitted to be installed in the field as a stand-alone SPD. Type 5 SPDs are generally the components used in the design and construction of complete SPDs or other SPD assemblies.