How To Install a Whole House Surge Protector | Siemens FS140 Whole House Surge Protection

In this video, I show you how to install a whole house surge protector. I will be installing the Siemens FS140 whole house surge protection device. This device is a must have. This is a simple way to protect all of your electronics in your house from lightning strikes and utility power surges. I would still recommend using your standard power strip surge protectors on sensitive electronics like computers and televisions as added protection.
Products Used In The Video:
Siemens FS140 Whole House Surge Protector: amzn.to/36ewlLE
Tools Used:
Drill: amzn.to/30rLzen
Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/308of4Q
Wire Strippers: amzn.to/3j3Rqxn
Klein Multimeter: amzn.to/3cu4lGH
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Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

[@paulraphael]

Just be aware that Siemens says to keep the wire run from the SPD as short and straight as possible to get the best protection. I think ideally in a setup like this, you could mount it vertically right underneath, and eliminate a foot of wire and 3 bends.

[@patrickkelley3311]

Nice job Adam! You made the whole process simple to understand from a layman's viewpoint. It doesn't take a qualified electrician at $100/hr+ to install it, if you take your time and follow Adam. Keeping wires short is good advice.

[@mahmoodmirza3301]

Thank you Adam Carr for a nice and comprehensive Demonstration of a Whole House Surge Protector description and installation.

[@jamesbubnick]

Great video, I had a transformer issue that fed my house and ended up having 1k in damage...finally motivated me to research and get one installed.

[@elginjohnson4145]

I have watched several videos on surge protectors and yours is the most informative, I also like the Siemens surge the best. Just had a strike and cost me a few thousand dollars, I learn the hard way, but I don’t want to learn it twice. Thanks EJ

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I also installed this after I had some expensive appliances fried. Some look at these whole house surge protectors as too expensive but once you have replaced some electronics you realize that it would have been way cheaper to get the surge protector. Thanks for the feedback!

[@abrelectric]

Thank you for the clear explanation. I'm a big fan of the FS140.

[@edwardmorton6730]

Good video. I'm having one of these unit installed next week on a retirement property that I'm buying, and my internet research indicates that the Siemens FS140 is the best "whole house" unit available to consumers. It's costing me about 2/3 more in terms of the other products available, but the property is in SW Florida, where lightning and hurricane risks are very elevated. Sure hope it pays off in the long run.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I would say based on the research I did as well, that I found the same information that you did. I do believe that it is probably the best all around device available to homeowners currently. I also like that it lets you know if it sacrificed itself and needs to be replaced. That to me was a big deal. It is a little bit more than a lot of them but my thinking is I will pay the up to $200 all day so that I don't burn up parts in appliances and computers that cost much more than that. Florida is a lightning factory. I think you are making a good choice. Well worth protecting your investments! Thank you for the feedback!

[@robertlockery6509]

I had a lighting strike a month ago and took out my security cameras, ac, tv receivers, tv monitor and my sprinkler timer. My father retired from Siemens and they have excellent products. Thanks for the info.!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Robert, sorry to hear about all of those electronics going down all at once. That is a lot! We had a surge a while back that took out the oven which is what prompted me to look into these. From the research I did, the Siemens surge protector seemed like one of the best all around. Thanks for watching and your feedback!

[@katnip7976]

Well, according to the statistics, you should be good to go and not need one. They say lightning never strikes twice.

[@jon4715]

@@katnip7976 Statistically, lightning more often strikes twice.

[@shangrilahomestead9930]

Thank you for this valuable information.

[@PE1978C]

Great video, thank you!

[@friedastreet5657]

Thank you for this great video! It was very well done!

[@stevengarcia4217]

Detailed explanation. Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Steven, you're welcome, glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback. Hope to see you around!

[@fayiznalu8411]

Thank you that was very informative.

[@davidshulmister5371]

Excellent video.

[@keithecklundii5225]

Excellent tutorial. 👍

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Keith, thanks for the feedback. I am glad it was helpful! 👍

[@jasoncruz3506]

Just found you Channel and love it so far

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Jason, I am happy to hear that. Thank you for the positive feedback! Will keep cranking them out.

[@robertdebruce8611]

Great explanation. Thanks.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Ray, thank you for the feedback. Glad it was helpful 👍

[@Christianwarrior2014]

Thanks man! Great video! Really helped me out.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey David, I am really glad it helped! Thank you for the feedback.

[@rcbustanut2057]

Awesome, thanks for vid! That was easier than I thought. 👍

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. I am glad it was helpful for you! Thank you for the feedback 👍

[@onewithshadows86]

Your video was very insightful as how to properly install this. Thank you for that! Looking to install this soon and finally say good-bye to FPL monthly charge. :D ....I just have to figure out where to put it as my panel/sub panel is in my living room lol.

[@Christianwarrior2014]

Awesome informative video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@saltydogsusa6382]

Thanks for posting this. Too late for me as we took a strike that killed an expensive double wall oven as well as several expensive audio/video components. This Seimens unit looks really good and I have one now in my Amazon cart.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I bought this because the exact same thing happened to me with our double wall oven. This surge protector was less expensive than the replacement part so going forward, it was a no brainer for me to install.

[@StringerNews1]

Nice work! I must have been suggested this video because I recently watched another DIY surge suppressor install. In that video, the wiring was sub-standard to say the least. There was no main ground, but somehow there were two green branch circuit wires hooked up to the otherwise unconnected ground bus. Although this was supposed to be a home panel, the branch circuit wire colors indicated that most were 240V, which is unusual in an Amercian home. If the panel was fed by 3-phase as the incompetent video maker suggested, that would kind of make sense, but not obviate the need for a safety ground. I think he believed that installing the surge protector would magically heal the lack of grounding, but there's no real way it could have. With so much really, _really_ bad advice on KZbin, it's refreshing to see a video that isn't rife with falsehoods.

[@omarherrera3888]

thanks good information.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Omar, glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@theshadow6273]

Awesome video! Thank you for the concise and well produced info!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad you liked it. Thank you for the feedback!

[@mchevownr]

Awesome tutorial video sir! The two black wires that connect to the double pole breaker, any particular order or are the sides swapable?

[@skywatcherca]

Great video: thanks.

[@KeithOtisEdwards]

This fine video made installation easy! The instructions which came with the unit were incoherent and obviously not written by someone who is fluent in English.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Haha I appreciate that Keith. I am glad you found it helpful!

[@edwardstanley2195]

Very helpful and timely. Just installed some new appliances with wifi and other electronics on board and was considering this type of device. Your slow start video was helpful also. Is this devise compatible with a grid connected PV system? Thanks much.

[@sktr1234sr]

this with a couple of broadband ferrites and you are set!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Have had a couple others talk about the ferrites. They make sense as an addition for some what if scenarios, it's just finding ones that are capable of high saturation due to the amount of electricity passing through the lines coming into the house. I may look into them more! Thanks for the feedback.

[@ciliap]

So I looked into the Zap Cap that they offer, zap cap only protects from the pole to the meter. The Siemens FS140 and it's counterparts like the FS100 they take care of surge and power "backlash" from the constant on and off of compressors in the house like you spoke of.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

They will both do pretty much the same thing. The Siemens surge protector will stop surges from entering the home at the main panel or if possible, meter panel. The internal surges, are where you want the standard surge protector power strips on your sensitive electronics and appliances. They work really well for that.

[@tjle4900]

Thanks for your video!! What can I do if my main breaker panel has no more empty space left? Thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Well you could look into installing some tandem breakers to free up some slots. I had a family member recently that there just was no way to make it work without installing a sub panel so I had them get the utility company to install a surge protection device on the meter itself. Just depends on your particular scenario.

[@user-th8sz1wu3o]

How to pick the right one for my home. Would like to put one on my manual transfer switch.

[@Motortiger05]

I had an electrician install one on my fuse panel. I thought the wires were long. Yours seem even longer. Another KZbin video had a diagram. If it’s under a foot and a half it was the best.

[@marshallsmith9264]

I am getting ready install the Siemens FS140. As you have, I have an outside main meter panel with the ability to perfectly install the protector. I live in central FL (very hot & wet in summer). Couple questions: (1) I have no neutral bar in my panel, just ground - I am assuming I can put both the neutral and ground on the same bar - is that correct? (2) I want the leads to be as short as possible - can I drill the 3/4" hole in the panel so I can hand it out the side, as opposed to hanging it upside down from the bottom punch out plugs? (3) In the install since I am putting the Siemens unit up against the main meter panel, can I just use a single threaded Rigid Threaded Nipple 3/4-InchxCL screwed into the Siemens and a Conduit lock-nut on the inside of the inside of the panel (with maybe some caulk to ensure a tight seal)? Thank you

[@aleksanderpozniewski2783]

My main panel has shared bus for neutral and ground, which as far I know is acceptable as long its not sub panel. Is it going to work properly if I'll connect neutral and ground at same bus bar?

[@MrTee-de7to]

Does the breaker for the Siemens FS140 need to be right after the main breaker?

[@manclt704]

@HowToHomeDIY Hello Adam, thank you for sharing the great video. However, I'm unsure why Siemens recommends installing the Surge Protection Device (SPD) behind a 20-amp circuit breaker. As I understand it, the SPD isn't a pass-through device; the electrical current to your home doesn't flow through it. Consequently, it cannot cut off power to your home during a high surge (as it is not a relay or contactor). What it does is, upon detecting high voltage, it attempts to divert the circuit to ground. If there's a transient surge, the voltage might drop because of the SPD's shunting action (Shunt Load). If the surge is prolonged, the intense current caused by the SPD could trip the home's main breaker, preventing damage from the high voltage. However, placing the SPD behind a 20-amp breaker means that in a surge situation, the SPD might draw over 20 amps, causing its breaker to trip. This would protect the SPD itself but leave home appliances vulnerable since the SPD would be offline while the surge persists. Therefore, it seems more effective if the SPD's dedicated breaker has a higher rating than the home's main breaker. This arrangement ensures the home's breaker trips first, prioritizing the protection of the home over the SPD. Home First!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It is because a surge happens way too fast and they are more of a voltage spike than they are current so a circuit breaker is not going to trip. These are extremely effective as installed.

[@manclt704]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thanks for the reply, by the way I noticed a review at Amazon by someone, I am pasting it here ----""Had this installed a few months ago after a surge ruined a few appliances in my home. Recently a tree fell across the power lines across the street from my house causing a surge which blew up 4 breakers, another coffee machine, garage door opener, printer, and a few other small appliances. The damage was around $900. When the electrician contacted Siemens they told him the suppressor doesn’t cover a “sustained surge”? The unit seems totally fine lights are still green, it would have been nice if it at least fried the unit in the process but it did nothing. Don’t waste your money I just installed surge protected wall outlets at all my small appliances for $100 for 5 which seems more worth it. My neighbor installed a similar siemens unit at his house and his heat pump motor and circuit board blew also.""---- What I think the 20Amp was tripped so the SPD itself is still healthy while the rest is fried up!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@manclt704 possibly, since it was a sustained and abnormal surge. But we don’t know that for sure, we don’t know if the unit was installed properly per the manufacturer’s instructions, we don’t know really anything to verify the surge protector had an opportunity to do its job. I look at Amazon reviews but take them with a grain of salt as oftentimes there is user error. There are also countless reviews praising the unit and overall has 4.8 stars which is extremely high for an overall Amazon review average. There are also numerous reputable sources that tout this unit as the best on the market and go into great detail as to why. This one review also is talking about a constant surge. No surge protector is designed to be able to withstand what I would imagine was a long period of time of surging. A normal surge will not trip a breaker. Bottom line is, if you don’t want it, don’t buy it. For me personally I had numerous appliances and smaller electronics like a surround sound stereo get fried on different occasions but in the past 3 or 4 years since installing this I have had zero damage and I live in what is considered the lightning capital of the US.

[@ddisneyman8911]

Hi there. I'm adding a 50 amp power input box to the outside service panel so I can connect my generator (it's not an inverter generator). I've heard non-inverter generators produce power that can harm electronics. Will this device protect against damage from a generator?

[@rickwest2818]

Do you know of any device that can protect against a dropped neutral between the panel and transformer?

[@yardfront]

What if the meter panel box does not contain a neutral bus bar? Do I connect the neutral wire to the ground bus?

[@ColtonRiffel]

Hi! What is your take on using one dual stab 20a vs two single stab 20a breakers? I didn’t see double pole in the instructions. Just the illustration that made it look like a dual.

[@jamesdesmond1301]

My electrician just used "two single stab 20a breakers" yesterday, installing this very device at my home's outside meter base. He came with a double but it was a different brand than my ("GE") box so he had to go to a local electrical supply house and came back with two GE singles. I neglected to ask him if there's a difference.

[@KrazyKajun602]

A surge just wiped out my outside AC unit compressor fan. These ECM fans are very sensitive and now its going to cost me around $700 with labor to fix it.

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

What do you think of a type II SPD as an option?

[@napoqeli2784]

How many hits can this suppressor take before having to change it?

[@MartyMcCasland]

Can you install this in the service panel to house? Mine is just the meter with a fairly large circuit panel below it with only 1 200amp breaker installed. Could I put the 20amp breaker in that panel instead of the panel that's indoor, flush mount, no easy place to mount the FS140 on the side? If so, mount the 20amp above or below the 200amp breaker? Thanks much.

[@benkanobe7500]

If my whole house generator (12K) that is connected through my box with a 50amp breaker and "Manual Transfer Switch" were to malfunction, would the Surge Protector protect my house just as though the surge came from the grid? Also, since my open frame 12K generator is not an inverter generator it does not have the cleanest sine wave, will it "trigger" the Surge Protector each time I try to use my generator to power my house during power outages?

[@Jim-bx7vs]

Is it possible to add a sub panel for a surge protector, there's no room in my main panel because of a whole house generator install

[@ericswensen3590]

I just installed a Reliance generator inlet box after watching one of your other videos. I would like to ask if the power goes out and I'm powering my home with a generator, do leave the breaker switch turned on to the Siemens whole house surge protector?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I do. Really no reason to turn it off.

[@jimc823]

What if main panel doesn't have any space for 20 amp double breaker? it just has main 200amp breaker.

[@budgutpile7697]

I'm looking to get power quality protection for my house when using an emergency generator which is connected to the panel via interlock. Not sure if this is the right product for that, but having said that, my circuit breaker slots are all full... no room for another breaker that takes two slots. Any advice appreciated.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I do not know for sure how affective this would be with a generator but at the same time, do know why it would act any differently as it can't differentiate what the power source is. That being said, if you are wondering if it will help clean up a higher THD percentage or "dirty power" I do not think it would do anything for that. Per the manufacturer if there aren't any slots available their recommendation is to look into tandem breakers if it is an option for your particular load center. It does require a dedicated 2 pole breaker so "piggybacking" wouldn't be an option as some have asked that. I hope this helps.

[@asuarezjd]

This one is really good but I am now installing my SPD from BAD WOLF, they are the highest protection in the market right now, pretty much twice as much as this one, commercial grade, smaller and made in the USA, by disabled veterans. It also covers lighting and EMP. I will also buy the one they make for the vehicles to protect them from EMP. My neighbor got one and I was impressed. I only had the 24K one from Square D, and I will install that old one in the subpanel, but the Bad Wolf goes to my main.

[@dan_hitchman007]

The only way to protect from an EMP is having your house or electronics contained in a Faraday cage. That's highly improbable. Are you sure you didn't get taken in a con?

[@asuarezjd]

@@dan_hitchman007 how do you come up with that? The are EMP protectors even for vehicles. and you could even use high-saturation ferrites in the two hots and the neutrals to absorb the frequencies...even military equipment and some facilities have ferrites in the service entrance conductors. It is weird that you say such a thing because the EMP frequencies is understood and studied at the basic stages. In fact, the faraday bags and cages are for mobile things and of course they can't be fixated to a building wiring. The ferrites and SPD are used to suppress the conducted pulse that is introduced on the power lines from an EMP or CME. They each do different things. The SPD suppresses the E2 and tries to trip the upstream breaker when E3 arrives. The ferrite helps to address the conducted E1 by reducing its level and helping to spread it out enough in time for the SPD to kick on. The overall goal is to save the home's electronics, not to keep the grid from going down. The idea is that having a home with functional electronics would be useful because you could attach a generator, or take advantage of any times that the grid came back up.

[@byronlaw6724]

This is the kind of surge protector I would like. The drawbacks being 1) in the event of a non-EMP surge (which is more likely), you are looking at replacing a much more expensive surge protector (obviously in an EMP event, you'll be glad you have it) and 2) if they are scammers pushing a crap product on prepper fears, in the event of an EMP, what are you gonna do? Trek across the country to find them and demand a refund? I would imagine that they have some certification for their product though.

[@lNyx777]

hello, can i Connect the Siemens protector using a 100A breaker? i Saw in the video that you used a 20A breaker. thank you for your kindness

[@Pk3_Garage]

No. Only a 20-amp double pole breaker. Any higher than that, you run the risk of too much current, coming through and damaging equipment in your home.

[@TheGman4691]

Does it matter where the blank spot in the breaker panel is located (top, bottom, right, left) or will any blank spot suffice?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It needs to be in whatever slot is closest to where the power comes in. So as close as possible to your main breaker.

[@lilyrosedaisy2003]

Will this protect everything? Including the hvac and furnace or do I need something separate for those?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes, anything downline from this device will fall under it's protection from outside surges. The idea is that when a surge come in, this device absorbs it before it gets past it to your other electronics, which would include the AC. Hope this helps!

[@GF-sp4sk]

Hi, just purchased and your video makes the install look easy. But I can't seem to find my main panel like you showed in the video. I found my electrical meter outside and my 2 breaker panels in the basement but no main panel? Is this possible?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

The main panel is going to be wherever your main breaker is. If it is in the basement like you said then that is where this would get installed. Where I live, our main shutoffs are almost always in a panel outside by the meter.

[@JohnstonPettigrew]

If you are having problems don't touch anything.....because you don't understand how the meter feeds a panel, etc. Once you are dealing with the meter area (service entrance) better to let a pro deal with issues.

[@ciscokid2444]

My electrician not licensed installed a FS100 directly to the big cables by loosening the two Allen screws for the main cables into the panel the two lights are green but is this incorrect and what’s the difference between his way and the double pole breaker please explain cause I’m going to ask him to correct his work he should have looked at the instructions.

[@joekrueger4462]

Ok so i purchased the siemens FSPD 140 boltshield (supposed to replace the surgeshield 140 pro) to be installed in my Eaton BR panel. I have open slots at top for the breaker but lead length is 17inch so now i have to drill side hole for install. I dont get the wiring as i have labeled 2 black (L1,L2) 1 white, 1yellow with green stripe,Another Black with 3 small wires. What is the 3rd black with small wires? and though i have gnd buss and separate common buss can i place both gnd and common on same buss bar? thks

[@ProjectStrum]

Emp proof ?

[@martyoconnor5644]

Did you read the instructions where it says to cut the wires to the shortest length possible to make the connections? Also did you see that the instructions say to avoid bends in the leads?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

They were cut shorter than they came and there aren’t any bends. Did you watch the video?

[@martyoconnor5644]

I did watch the video. You used curved conduit and it appeared that there was still a good amount of slack in the wires.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@martyoconnor5644 curved not bent. No hard turns in the wire. Perfectly ok. And it may look that way because I did leave some slack but they were cut shorter.

[@lonzomclaughlin8325]

You seem to have some panel and switch near your meter. My power comes straight into my main 200amp breaker box. Can I just connect this inside my main panel with a two pole 20 amp breaker?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes you can, as close as possible to the main switch in the panel.

[@russellkamp8923]

Do the black wires need to go one wire to one leg and the other wire to the other leg?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Russell, yes, by using a double pole breaker you are taking care of that. Hope this helps.

[@bradbrown6907]

If I have three rooms on one line .Could it cause other rooms that are not on that line lights to flicker

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Depending on the demand it’s possible. But I would still think it’s more likely that there is a loose neutral or hot wire. Possibly at the breaker.

[@AM1015-]

how loud is the audible alarm?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

From what I understand it is a beeping noise. Not overly loud but enough to get your attention if you are in the area.

[@bradbrown6907]

Every time my washer starts I get a lot of flickering.Will this take care of it?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Brad, no this would not fix that issue. This surge protector is more for incoming surges from your utility company. I would start with finding out if there is something wrong with the washer. If it’s not the washer then you may want to contact an electrician and your power company. An open neutral could be the issue, whether on your side or the utility side. Could be something else but they would be able to find it. The washer should not be causing lights to flicker. Hope this helps!

[@loudora]

Can FS-140 be installed in a European home with a 220 V 60Hz setting? Thank you.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Lou, yes it should work in that application. Per the manufacturers specs it is for line voltage 120/240 split phase, 50/60 hz. Hope this helps!

[@johnpicard4909]

Great video. Where did you buy this surge protector?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey John, you can get these many places on the internet. I do know that Amazon carries it. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@Inkling777]

@@HowToHomeDIY Do scout around. The price varies. I got it in 2021 on Amazon for $176. Last time I checked there it was $300.

[@lNyx777]

Hello :) my Siemens Fs140 has: 2 Green lights on, red light blinking but there is not any sound. i have a doubt, the red light must be off or blinking? Thank you

[@Pk3_Garage]

The red light should be off. If the red light is blinking, there should be an audio alarm too. I would contact the manufacture.

[@yankeesusa1]

If i install this, should i remove the surge protector on my ac?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You don’t have to. That is just another layer of protection for the AC unit.

[@kack7130]

I noticed the ground wire panel is the same as neutral panel. I have the exact thing at home

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes, is yours out at your service panel?

[@kack7130]

@@HowToHomeDIY i saw other comment. i get it now

[@MrPacedan]

I dont understand it.Ive done a lot of unprofessional electrical but this breaker doesnt precede the current incoming from your main line so how does it have ability to shut it all down if its overloaded?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

No it doesn't come before your main panel but it does come before all of the circuits in the house especially if it's out at the meter like this particular installation is. Its essentially monitoring the current coming in and absorbing the surge before it can get to the rest of the circuits.

[@shermdog6969]

Wouldn't that just protect the double pole breaker? How does that stop the surge into the main?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Because it’s one of the first circuit breakers on the house and is made to absorb a surge before it can move on down the line to everything else.

[@anthonyferencjr1130]

How often will you need to replace this? 10,15 years?

[@Pk3_Garage]

There is a 10 yrs. protection and warranty. The fs140 will let you know when it needs to be changed by the red light and audible alarm.

[@billrodgers2830]

My main panel has only one bus bar for both the ground and the neutral. Is it okay to wire this unit that way?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Bill, yes that is a fairly normal scenario. You can wire it that way.

[@billrodgers2830]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thanks. Great video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@@billrodgers2830 You are very welcome. Thank you!

[@freekyjohn11]

Hello, is the 20amp breaker connected to the main breaker? I mean is there any power going to the breaker of the first surge? I had mine installed by an electrician but seems not soing its job as i had mu 5 ceiling fans broken at the same time during power surge. First surge has both green lights though.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

The 20 amp breaker is downline from the main breaker. But it needs to be as close as possible to that main breaker so that it gets the surge first as it is coming into the panel.

[@freekyjohn11]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thank you very much

[@TheWilferch]

Hmm.... nowhere on the Siemens install instruction does it say you MUST use a double-pole breaker. For sure....it makes it idiot-proof that doing so ENSURES you pick up both legs A/B and not A/A or B/B. However, I'm thinking using 2, single pole breakers side-by-side....basically the same thing as a double-pole breaker but without the external "bridge", is still OK.

[@MrTedflick]

what if I have no open breaker spots to add this, how would it work then?

[@foxtrot35]

I read Siemens Residential Load Center sheet and it showed a breaker/surge arrestor combo. Other manufacturer may have similar, my panel happens to be by Siemens. Hope it helps

[@brandonleeragoonanan9670]

You can use half size breakers in you panel

[@SaravanaKumarFellowBeing]

Sorry If my question is silly. Will this protect from low voltage as well? Recently I had issue with my washing machine and the mechanic mentioned it is due to low voltage. I'm wondering whether installing such a "surge protector" will help?

[@Pk3_Garage]

I would still install this whole house surge protector, plus a single outlet surge protector that protects from low voltage as well. (We have both)

[@JohnstonPettigrew]

A washing machine doesn't have "low voltage" like a HVAC thermostat. You are missing something.

[@bradspaugh9827]

How many emp attacks can it handle?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hopefully if one ever happened it would be the only one! So this on it's own would probably not be enough. You would also need ferrites installed on incoming lines and also each individual electronic. If you want some more in depth info on it check out the empdoctor here on youtube. He has a video all about it and explains why he recommends this particular SPD. Hope this helps.

[@dr_920]

The price of this kind on Amz is $300 now, doubling from before.

[@MrJmowood]

Exactly what happens when a surge comes in? Does the fs140 shut the main breaker off?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

No, it just absorbs the surge and sacrifices itself.

[@Pk3_Garage]

It sends the surge watts to ground. If the surge is more than what the fs140 can handle, it sacrifices itself and is no longer protecting your home.

[@TheDannytre]

With the 2020 NEC code, I’m not sure which article but it states that all new construction and I believe remodels that have to do anything with electrical services have to have a whole home surge protection now at the breaker panel.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Danny, yes you are right, it is article 230.67. It is to be installed at the service equipment. Which would be where it was installed in the video or if one was installed on the meter itself by the power company. There is an exception to this if you install one at each next level distribution equipment downstream toward the load. This would include your breaker panel and/or subpanels. Great point! Thanks for bringing it up!

[@draven4464]

A must have for any smart home, or really any. I've had a lot of shit cooked from it. Especially with electric heaters

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It really is a must have! Have lost too many expensive things in the past without it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@Silky_boi]

Whats the life expectancy of these surge protectors?

[@dan_hitchman007]

It depends on how many hits it takes in its life. One catastrophic or multiple smaller spikes. It has a replacement alarm when it is no longer functional.

[@bigmike4976]

Very surprised your not using an insulated screwdriver

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Why? Power is completely off. Only time I use an insulated screwdriver is when I work on something live which is almost never because most of the time it’s not necessary.

[@george5120]

I am confused. I have never heard of a circuit panel on the outside of a house. And yet, it appears this one is; and the surge protector is also mounted on the outside of the house. My circuit panel is inside my basement.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

This is a main meter panel. There is just the main 200 amp service breaker and 2 other breaker slots. My main breaker panel with the majority of the circuits is in the garage. If yours is in the basement then that is where you would put this device. The instructions would be the same.

[@george5120]

@@HowToHomeDIY I have learned a lot since I posted my inquiry two years ago. I have since installed two Siemens FS140 surge protectors. I kept my two blacks leads much shorter and straighter, and always mounted the 20 amp breaker closest to the main feed, even if it required moving existing breaker switches.

[@mrmiketman]

I have a question, is this a one-event device? Does it reset?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Once it absorbs a large enough hit or enough hits that it has worn down, it will need replaced. It will let you know when you need a new one though. I have it for almost 2 years now through numerous lightning storms and it is still good though.

[@dan_hitchman007]

That would be a non sacrificial series mode surge protector and that's normally in a Type 3 unit (the FS140 is Type 2 for a panel). Brick Wall, Surge X, and some Furman point-of-use surge models are non sacrificial and will reset as long as the surge is not catastrophic. Having a Type 1 and Type 2 whole house surge unit first would make the surge small enough for a Type 3 to do the rest and save delicate home electronics like computers and TV's.

[@ciliap]

Lets talk about all the bees around your electrical box

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Haha I barely notice them anymore. Being out in a rural area, bugs are just a part of life. 😂

[@vibesmom]

I’ve never seen a main panel outside a house before.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It’s becoming more and more common. They want the fire department to be able to access the panel easier in the event of a fire.

[@chiefcliff]

I always assumed surge protectors shut the power off before it gets to anything. This clearly doesn't have the ability to shut the power off- so how does it work?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Basically, it sacrifices itself and absorbs the surge current before it carries on to your devices in the home.

[@LostPilotage]

I am trying to understand this myself, from what I can guess, it detects a voltage increase (surge) and will open a gate direct to ground, and become the path of least resistance taking the surge before the circuits in the home? Hopefully someone else can elaborate or point to a more practical description.

[@petercampbell4220]

The metal oxide varisitor instantly respond to overvoltage by becoming a short, as the voltage spike collapses, it then it acts as an open. This is in the millionth to thousanth of a second, the mechanical parts of the circuit breaker feeding it don't have time to respond.

[@uncommoncents2125]

Where was the bad dad jokes? I came for the bad dad jokes and am disappointed but stayed for the video tutorial! Step up the joke game please!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

haha can't have dad jokes in every video. I am sure there will be more to come. Thanks for watching!

[@petergregory]

Is it okay to connect it to circuit breakers that feed a circuit in the home, or must it be connected to a circuit breaker that is connected ONLY to the Siements unit? The Siements instructions are ambiguous on this point.

[@Pk3_Garage]

The fs140 needs to have its own dedicated double-pole 20-amp breaker. It should be in the one and three locations, in your control panel.

[@gldf111]

Hi. I have a 200 amp main panel and another 200 amp sub panel next to it. Do I need 2 surge protectors or just 1 in the main panel.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey! You would just need the one surge protector in whatever panel is nearest to where the utility power comes in from the road. That would probably be your main panel if you don’t have a meter main panel. Hope this helps!

[@kalijasin]

Are these required by code now?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes but according to the code, they only have to be installed when your service equipment is replaced or upgraded. The idea is to help protect GFCI's, AFCI's, smoke detectors, etc. If you would like you can find the code with a google search just type in NEC 230.67. I hope this helps!

[@troy8736]

Why does my wife's computer ,cable modem and 65" flat screen TV still snap off and back on after a surge....?!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It still loses power for even a brief moment.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

No surge protector will protect your house from a direct lightning strike unless you have a lightning mitigation system installed.

[@KL4life]

Actually, nothing will protect your home 100% of that strike because The bottom line: The electricity in a lightning bolt is much too powerful to be 100% stopped by any type of system.

[@bbuucc]

Musicians use a power conditioner strip.

[@fitybux4664]

Forgot a crucial step. Then you label your breakers. 😆

[@wallychambe1587]

Siemens FS140 Seems to be discontinued and vendors that do have it have doubled the price!🤬🤬🤬

[@LostPilotage]

Just high demand, especially with the update in NEC code, requiring a Type 1 or Type 2 SPD.

[@olegyamleq7796]

Hey man, can i offer some advise: Get to the point. 3.5 min into a 12 min video and you are still talking. Besides having to skip over .25 of video, good job, good info, thanks. Upvoted.