Installing a Square D Whole Home Surge Protector

[@kyles170]

The Breaker feeding the SPD should be installed immediately after the Main breaker. That would surge events are captured prior to entering downstream circuits. Where you have installed it (At the very bottom of panel) means that the surge will enter the homes branch circuits before it enters the SPD. I hope that makes sense.

[@Ariel1S]

Yes, the length of the neutral matters. A Type 1 SPD means it can be installed direct to the electrical supply without use a breaker. A type 2 goes after a breaker. The best place for it is those lugs (bolts) directly under the main breaker.

[@WedgeGangly]

By mounting the SPD at the bottom of the breaker stack you are defeating the purpose of the SPD. If using a breaker it needs to be installed in the top left or right side breaker position (move breakers) to protect the circuits below. If the top two breakers are the proper amp/size and rated for dual connections (will be noted on side of breaker) you can use it instead of adding a dedicated breaker. Best way to install the SPD is to put ring connectors on the black wires and mount them to the L1 and L2 studs directly below the Main as seen at 3:37 on your video. No breaker needed. No need to move any breakers. Pop a hole either side of box with your step drill in line with L1/L2 for shortest wire run.

[@joeydaly5190]

Page 7 of the instructions by square D show it mounted the exact same way he did it

[@theanonymousg.o.a.tofpuert3239]

that a double breaker or 2 single brakers - how many amps per breaker, do you use spare breaker space ?

[@RobertPrice-n3q]

What size breaker? How did you come up with the 40amp 2pole?

[@scratchgang8391]

He just used an existing breaker probably…..it’s rated for 40 amp I think surge take 15- 30 amps depending situation but he’s fine if 30 amps is what he needed

[@kyles170]

The wire size is 10AWG = 30AMPs. The SPD itself doesn't draw current.

[@Ariel1S]

You can use any size. Even better is to mount it to the main lugs (the bolts under the main breaker).

[@LightitupLEDs]

They come in white too...

[@nakayle]

Outside panels are a really bad idea. They get dirty, rust, corrode, insects and are subject to pranksters and criminals who turn off power.