NEMA Surge protection Institute

SPD 1.1.
This guide serves primarily for those who use or specify Surge Protective Devices to provide uniformity of specifications, understandable parameters, as well as improved comprehension, application, and utilization of SPDs.
NEC Code Changes
The 2020 NEC contains increased requirements for the use of Sure Protective Devices to include dwelling units.
Surge Susceptibility
Surges can damage, degrade, or destroy sensitive electronic equipment in offices or businesses. NEMA has shown that all electrical products, sensors, and systems containing electronic components are at risk of suffering damage from electrical surges.

About NEMA Surge Protection Institute

The NEMA Surge Protection Institute (NSPI) is an educational outreach effort initiated by the Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices Section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), a not-for-profit trade association. Our mission is to heighten awareness of the benefits of surge protection to all users of low voltage electrical systems in North America for the purpose of promoting proper application and usage.

What are Surges?

Surges, or transients, are brief overvoltage spikes or disturbances on a power waveform that can damage, degrade, or destroy electronic equipment within any home, commercial building, industrial, or manufacturing facility. Transients can reach amplitudes of tens of thousands of volts. Learn more.

Visit the National Electrical Manufacturers Association for additional information about the NEMA Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices Product Section.

Publications

NEMA SPD 1.1-2019 | Surge Protective Device Specification Guide for Low Voltage Power Distribution Systems

This guide is the first in a new series intended to guide the evaluation, specification, and use of SPD’s deployed in low-voltage power distribution system applications. | Download

NEMA VSP 1-2017 | Susceptibility of Electrical and Electronic Components to Surge Damage

The purpose of this paper is to present the test results of actual devices in a real-world surge environment and will generate information on the surge susceptibility for various electrical components. | Download

NEMA VSP P2-2019 | Impact of Surges on Equipment: Susceptibility of Electronics to Surge Damage

The intent of this paper is not to evaluate the safety and/or product performance of companies installed electrical systems, but to create awareness and offer guidance based on real-world testing of protection that will help prevent problems with products. | Download

Surge Damage

Surges or transients can damage, degrade or destroy the sensitive electronic equipment in offices or businesses resulting in: equipment downtime, losses in revenue, and productivity losses.

Power Quality

Surges do not explain all of the voltage-related power quality issues. There are many other power quality issues that users should be aware of.

Grounding and Bonding

Grounding and bonding are the framework for providing a safe electrical system, ensuring there is a connection to establish continuity and conductivity.

SPD 1.1.