The Best Whole-House Surge Protectors of 2023

A whole-house surge protector can prevent external power surges from damaging your electronics.

By Bob Beacham | Updated Jun 13, 2023 6:27 PM

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The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Options

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Extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and thunderstorms pose obvious power-outage threats, but other factors contribute to voltage surges more often than you might realize. Faults or fires in main transformers or generating equipment can disrupt your home’s power supply. Additionally, brownouts, or drops in voltage in an electrical power supply system, often result in a surge as power is restored.

These incidents are far from unusual. A power surge may last only a fraction of a second, but anyone who has been on the receiving end can tell you how dramatic the results can be. Excess electricity has the capacity to damage everything from a computer, TV, or refrigerator to the compressor of an HVAC system.

Fortunately, devices to prevent these problems are surprisingly affordable—particularly when weighed against the cost of replacing damaged items. As an engineer and home remodeler, I have worked with electrical contractors to specify and install them on a few occasions. With this comprehensive guide, I can help you determine how to choose the best whole-house surge protector for your property.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Siemens FirstSurge FS140 Total Home Surge Protection
  2. RUNNER-UP: Leviton 51120-1 Type 2 Single Phase Surge Panel
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eaton CHSPT2SURGE SPD Type 2 Surge Protector
  4. BEST MIDRANGE: Schneider Electric Square D HEPD80 Surge Protection
  5. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA Surge Protection Device
  6. BEST FLUSH-MOUNT: Leviton 51110-SRG Type 2 Residential Surge Protection
  7. HONORABLE MENTION: Intermatic IG1240RC3 6-Mode Surge Protective Device
  8. ALSO CONSIDER: Intermatic IG2240-IMSK Metal Surge Protective Device
The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Options

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How We Chose the Best Whole-House Surge Protectors

For those without in-depth electrical knowledge, choosing a surge protection device (SPD) can be a confusing prospect. I tried to keep the selection criteria as straightforward as possible while still making sure there were options for every homeowner.

With the help of the Bob Vila research team, I looked at over two dozen devices to make sure we had a good overall view of the whole house surge protectors currently available. Generally speaking, a higher kiloAmps (kA) rating means greater protection. Some devices suppress surges better than others, and the most advanced models may have a comparatively low kA rating. National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) ratings are key to knowing which device can be installed where, so we chose a number of alternatives to maximize user choice. (For more information on kA ratings, read the section Voltage and Surge Protector Ratings below our product reviews.)

Finally, premium brands may offer extensive features and high levels of protection, but not everyone feels they are necessary. As a result, we’ve included devices at various price points.

Our Top Picks

Each of these SPDs has its own unique features and benefits, and the following categories should help you quickly identify the best surge protector for your situation.

Best Overall

The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Option: Siemens FirstSurge FS140 Total Home Surge Protection
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Siemens offers a range of surge-protection devices. The FS140 is their premium model, offering the highest protection on our list at 140kA. It comes with a tough thermoplastic NEMA 4X-rated case and can be fitted to any main breaker panel via a double-pole circuit breaker of 30 amps (A) or less.

Commercial-class diagnostics means there are three stages of alert, including an audible alarm and flashing red LED light if the electrical system is unprotected. Siemens coaxial and digital subscriber line (DSL) phone and modem protection devices can be added to provide comprehensive coverage, though it costs extra.

This device is a bit more expensive than much of the competition, but this level of protection should offer peace of mind even in lightning-storm-prone areas.

Product Specs 

  • SPD: Type 2
  • Protection rating: 140kA
  • NEMA enclosure: Type 4X

Pros

  • Offers the highest protection level of any Type 2 device we found
  • Tough NEMA 4X-rated casing allows for indoor or outdoor installation
  • Compatible with all load centers (breaker boxes) for either residential or commercial use

Cons

  • Complaints are rare, but the product does come with a premium price tag

Get the Siemens whole-house surge protector at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Runner-Up

The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Option: Leviton 51120-1 Type 2 Single Phase Surge Panel
Photo: amazon.com

Equally suitable for residential and light commercial use, Leviton’s easy-to-install Type 2 surge protection panel is designed for easy flush mounting beside the main breaker panel. In that position, it offers an instant visual reference to protection status via front-mounted LEDs. The J-box metal enclosure is prepunched for standard electrical conduit connections and is NEMA 1 rated for indoor use.

In line with its potential use in mixed commercial environments, there’s a tremendous amount of technical information displayed right on the case front. Offering 50kA protection for single-phase supply, this device can be integrated with Leviton’s smart Dacora Home Controls.

Product Specs 

  • SPD: Type 2
  • Protection rating: 50kA
  • NEMA enclosure: Type 1

Pros

  • Designed to protect sensitive electronics in residential, commercial, and industrial locations
  • Prepunched J-box enclosure for simplified installation can be flush mounted if required
  • Can be integrated into Leviton’s automated Dacora Home Control System

Cons

  • Type 1 enclosure is for indoor use only

Get the Leviton 51120-1 whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Option: Eaton CHSPT2SURGE SPD Type 2 Surge Protector
Photo: amazon.com

Eaton has built a reputation for reliable and durable equipment at competitive prices, and its Type 2 SPD is no exception. It offers excellent protection in an affordable package.

The compact unit can be installed indoors or out and is easy to mount thanks to an innovative universal design that can be adapted to almost any panel. The NEMA 4 case is unusual on a budget device and capable of protecting the internal circuitry from rain, snow, and ice.

The Eaton Type 2 SPD is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed and offers the standard four protection modes. LED indicators give clear indication of status. The unit has a maximum surge protection rating of 36kA, though it may be defeated by a direct lightning strike.

Product Specs 

  • SPD: Type 2
  • Protection rating: 36kA
  • NEMA enclosure: Type 4

Pros

  • A reliable device from a leading brand that offers affordable protection
  • NEMA 4-rated enclosure can withstand rain and freezing temperatures
  • Compact, with an innovative mount design that fits almost any panel

Cons

  • The protection level may not be sufficient for a direct lightning strike

Get the Eaton CHSPT2SURGE whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Midrange

The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Option: Schneider Electric Square D HEPD80 Surge Protection
Photo: amazon.com

This high-quality Type 1 whole-house surge protector from Schneider Electric offers the ultimate in versatility. The compact unit features a NEMA 4X case, can be installed indoors or out, and is designed to be fitted on the line side of any residential breaker panel.

Whereas most surge protectors offer four modes of protection (the way the surge is channeled away from the home’s electric devices), the HEPD80 offers six. While this feature is perhaps only of interest to professional electricians, it can increase the margin of safety provided.

Despite its impressive 80kA protection level, the HEPD80’s outstanding performance doesn’t also come with exorbitant pricing, as this unit remains a very affordable option. It is both UL listed and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified.

Product Specs 

  • SPD: Type 1
  • Protection rating: 80kA
  • NEMA enclosure: Type 4

Pros

  • The high level of surge protection makes this device excellent value for the money
  • Compact and rugged NEMA 4X enclosure can be fitted indoors or out
  • Most SPDs provide 4 modes, whereas this model has 6 for greater surge dispersal

Cons

  • Some owners are critical of the warranty claims procedure

Get the Schneider Electric whole-house surge protector at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Heavy-Duty

The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Option: Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA Surge Protection Device
Photo: amazon.com

The Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA is another example of this leading brand’s reputation for high-quality surge protection devices that won’t break the bank. Like the model we recommend as Best Bang for the Buck, this model has a tough NEMA 4 case that provides all-weather protection or can be fitted indoors. Because this compact SPD is installed outside the breaker box, it can be combined with any manufacturer’s load center.

With single surge protection of up to 108kA, this is one of the highest-rated Type 2 devices we found, and equally suitable for residential or commercial use on 120 or 240-volt lines. It offers four modes, useful LED status indicators, and is UL listed for safety.

Product Specs 

  • SPD: Type 2
  • Protection rating: 108kA
  • NEMA enclosure: Type 4

Pros

  • Combines high protection level with a rugged all-weather Type 4 enclosure
  • Easy to fit and designed to mount outside the breaker box for universal use
  • Compatible with 120 or 240-volt lines in residential or commercial installations

Cons

  • A special 50A thermal breaker is required, but this costs extra

Get the Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Flush-Mount

The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Option: Leviton 51110-SRG Type 2 Residential Surge Protection
Photo: amazon.com

Flush mounting a surge protection device can result in a more attractive appearance, and while this isn’t always a consideration, it may be a factor when the device is visible. While the Leviton 51110-SRG can be used in individual residences, it is designed to be used in service entrances to apartments and condominiums, where it will certainly look neater than many rivals. The enclosure is NEMA 4X rated, and so it’s also perfectly safe for outdoor use.

Technical specifications can occasionally be confusing, and this Leviton SPD is described as providing 24kA per mode, which doesn’t seem particularly high. However, it actually has two modes that work together, and thus the true protection rating against any surge is a competitive 48kA. Given the low price, it is an excellent value.

Product Specs 

  • SPD: Type 2
  • Protection rating: 48kA
  • NEMA enclosure: Type 4X

Pros

  • Flush-mount design is smart enough for service entrance use and tough enough for outdoors
  • A surprisingly budget-friendly SPD from a manufacturer with over 100 years of experience
  • Can be integrated with the comprehensive Dacora Home Controls system

Cons

  • Some owners complained that warranty is only honored if installed by an electrician

Get the Leviton 51110-SRG whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Honorable Mention

The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Option: Intermatic IG1240RC3 6-Mode Surge Protective Device
Photo: amazon.com

Another versatile option, the Intermatic IG1240RC3 can either be installed line side by a professional electrician as a Type 1 device for the main power line or as a Type 2 device alongside the main breaker panel. The robust rainproof plastic case is rated NEMA 3R for use indoors or out. Protection of up to 50kA is provided via up to six modes.

A unique facet of this device is that it uses replaceable modules. Virtually every other whole-house surge protector has to be replaced in its entirety after one or more surge incidents, depending on severity. Instead, the Intermatic allows for replacing individual modules, which can be done by simply disconnecting the device. Over time, this could result in considerable savings, especially in areas subject to frequent lightning strikes.

Product Specs 

  • SPD: Type 1 or Type 2
  • Protection rating: 50kA
  • NEMA enclosure: Type 3R

Pros

  • Uses cost-effective modular replacements rather than needing to be changed completely
  • Can be installed as either a Type 1 or Type 2 device, providing added versatility
  • Has 6 modes for greater protection than the more common 4-mode devices

Cons

  • The NEMA 3R enclosure is weather-resistant but not completely waterproof

Get the Intermatic IG1240RC3 whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Also Consider

The Best Whole-House Surge Protector Option: Intermatic IG2240-IMSK Metal Surge Protective Device
Photo: amazon.com

This high-quality Type 1 and 2 whole-house surge protector from Intermatic is one of the most advanced systems currently available and uses Thermally Protected Metal Oxide Varistor (TPMOV) that dramatically reduces the chances of unexpected failure. Installation can be before or after service entrances and utility meter cabinets, but the case is only rated for indoors, not out.

Whereas most surge protectors have four modes of protection (the way the surge is channeled away from the home’s electric devices), the IG2240 offers six. With 50kA per channel, and two channels, the protection rating totals an impressive 100kA, which should be sufficient for just about any surge event.

The UL-listed Intermatic surge protector has clear LED indicators for on and protected states. Should one of the three independent modules fail due to overload, a built-in power switch means the surge protector can be isolated, making replacement easy and safe.

Product Specs 

  • SPD: Type 1 & 2
  • Protection rating: 100kA
  • NEMA enclosure: Type 1

Pros

  • One of the most advanced devices on the market using state-of-the-art technology
  • LED lights give quick and clear indication that the SPD is active
  • Installs alongside the breaker box, and so it works with all types

Cons

  • Requires a considerable investment, and the enclosure is for indoor use only

Get the Intermatic IG2240-IMSK whole-house surge protector at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Jump to Our Top Picks



What to Consider When Choosing a Whole-House Surge Protector

Before you hit the ground running, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the relevant features of whole-home surge protectors and how they will affect your purchasing decision. The following provides a comprehensive guide to many of the technical and safety considerations to keep in mind while shopping for the best whole-house surge protector.

Types of Surge Protectors 

Although commonly called “surge protectors,” technically these are “surge protection devices.” When considering which is the best SPD for your home, you will want to take into account which category they fall under. Some are designed to shield individual items from the damage caused by power spikes, whereas others—which are the main focus of this article—offer whole-house surge protection. There are two distinct forms of the latter, making three types of SPDs in total.

Type 1

Type 1 devices offer the highest level of protection from external sources and also provide general protection from internal power surges. Low-power spikes might get through, but those are generally nondestructive. These surge protectors are installed where the supply from the utility company meets the main breaker box—what’s termed the “line side.” This means power cannot get into the home without flowing through the SPD, so only safe levels of electricity make it through.

Installation requires that power to the home be disconnected while work is carried out. The installation must also be undertaken by a qualified electrician, which can add considerably to the cost. In some cases, it’s necessary to inform the utility company before work is carried out, though the contractor should arrange that.

Type 2

Perhaps the most popular kind of SPD, Type 2 surge protectors can be installed inside the main breaker panel, also called a load center, or somewhere beside it. Installation can be accomplished by any DIYer with the requisite electrical experience. That said, while it isn’t necessary to have a qualified electrician do the job, those who are not completely confident in their abilities should at least consult one.

Depending on user configuration, Type 2 SPDs can protect an individual circuit or all the circuits within an electrical panel, plus subsidiary panels downstream of it. Many provide similar levels of protection as Type 1 devices, but it’s important to check the specifications.

Note: The latest code from the National Fire Protection Association proposes all new homes have Type 1 or Type 2 devices installed as standard and that any replacement service panel installed in existing homes includes one.

Type 3

Generally called “strip surge protectors” or “receptacle surge protectors,” these are popular, low-cost devices that plug into any household outlet. They typically have four to six additional outlets and are a convenient way to protect low-power devices like TVs, computers, or gaming consoles.

Technically, these gadgets are surge arresters. Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 surge protectors, they don’t absorb excess power but rather transfer it to the ground wire. While they are effective in the majority of cases, it would be wrong to assume they offer total protection. It’s also important not to confuse them with ordinary power strips, which often look similar but do not have a surge-protection element.

UL Certification

UL, formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, is an independent organization recognized worldwide for safety testing and certification. The current standard for surge-protection devices is UL 1449 (3rd Edition). The term “UL listed” is frequently used. Whole-house surge protection devices should also be listed as a Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) and typically are labeled as such on the device.

UL 1449 covers numerous aspects of the SPD, including how fast it reacts to a surge, the current required to trip it, and the level of protection offered. In order to pass, a whole-house surge protector must be able to produce results within the specified limits for as many as 15 consecutive tests.

Devices may also be CSA rated. This is a highly regarded global organization, and certification underlines the high safety standards of the device.

Nominal and Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage

The nominal voltage in the U.S. (the voltage provided at your household outlets) is 110/120 volts. In many other countries, it is 220/240 volts. Whole-house surge protectors are frequently capable of switching to either, but it is worth checking.

The maximum continuous operating voltage (MCOV) is the amount of voltage the surge protector will allow through without tripping. Having the device trip every time the power hits 121 volts, for example, would cause unnecessary wear, so the MCOV is set a little higher. Generally, this provides a margin of between 15 percent and 20 percent. For example, a 120-volt surge protector with a 20 percent margin would have an MCOV of 144 volts.

Voltage and Surge Protection Ratings

Manufacturers of whole-house surge protectors often use terms like “high voltage protection.” A lightning strike can send 30,000 volts into a household electrical system, so protecting against that kind of power certainly sounds impressive. However, while the voltage protection rating is calculated by UL and CSA in their testing, they are often not prominent within the product details.

More often, the headline figure is the surge-protection rating. This is the amount of electrical current that can be absorbed, measured in kA, which is thousands of amps. The minimum is usually 10kA (10,000 amps), but it depends on the device type. The best whole-house surge protectors are generally rated from 30kA upward. That’s usually sufficient to deal with the worst storms or power generation problems, though far higher limits are common.

NEMA Enclosure Type

NEMA has a standardized rating system covering electrical device enclosures used in the U.S. It specifies the environments where a particular device can be installed and used safely.

There are two aspects to NEMA ratings: the protection the enclosure offers to the equipment inside against dirt, dust, etc., and the protection the enclosure offers to personnel who might come into contact with the enclosure.

Whole-house surge protectors vary considerably. NEMA 1 is the lowest rating, stating that an enclosure is for indoor use and provides basic protection against possible electric shocks. At the other end of the scale, a NEMA 4X-rated product is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, including offshore, and offers protection from windblown dirt, sand, rain, and more. Avoid purchasing an SPD that does not have a NEMA rating.

Additional Features

While a single surge is unlikely to knock out your protection completely, it’s possible that after numerous events, the unit may fail. If the SPD has done its job properly up to that point, you may not even be aware of a problem. Fortunately, even the most basic whole-house surge protection device has an LED display to show that the unit is operational.

More complex models may feature additional lights to show a fault condition, while others have audible alarms. For those who utilize smart technology in the home, there are some options that can integrate with smartphones and home automation systems to send details of a surge event, or surge protection status, to a smartphone or tablet.

Installation

Type 2 whole-house surge protectors can be installed by anyone with sufficient knowledge of how the main breaker panel functions. The number of breaker spaces required and their amperage can vary. It’s important to understand you are dealing with high voltages, so if you have any doubt or uncertainty about your abilities, it’s recommended that you talk to or hire a qualified professional electrician.

Type 1 whole-house surge protectors are line-side devices, which means they are fitted between the external utility cable and the main breaker panel. Installation of these devices must be carried out by a certified electrical contractor. Not doing so will almost certainly invalidate any home insurance should a fire or fault occur. Additionally, this may be illegal and could result in you being prosecuted by your utility company because line-side cable and equipment belong to them.

The Advantages of Owning a Whole-House Surge Protector

A whole-house surge protector is a product that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. As a result, whether it’s worth installing one is a common question. They offer a multitude of benefits, including:

  • For a comparatively low cost, an SPD protects not just your sensitive electronic devices but also your HVAC and other major electrical appliances. That could result in savings of thousands of dollars, particularly in areas where lightning storms are common.
  • Around 80 percent of power surges happen within the home. They may be small, but the cumulative effect is that they shorten the life of any device that’s permanently plugged in, even while in standby mode. Whole-house surge protectors prevent that.
  • For households that rely on well water, these devices can prevent loss of water supply.
  • A number of home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by power surges.

FAQs

You may still have a few unanswered questions about surge protectors for the home. Some of the more common queries are addressed below. It’s also worth checking out our useful power outage survival guide.

Q. What is the difference between a power strip and a surge protector?

A power strip simply provides additional outlets. Surge protectors can look very similar but include devices to prevent power spikes from damaging the equipment plugged into them. True surge protectors will detail the protection provided.

Q. How do I choose a whole-house surge protector?

The right SPD for your needs will depend on your home setup, types of electronics and appliances you’d like to protect, and frequency of high-risk events such as lightning storms or power surges. The considerations outlined above should offer considerable guidance, but if you are still not sure which device is right for you, consult a suitably qualified electrical professional.

Q. If a surge comes from appliances like AC units and larger appliances, do I still have device protection before the breaker panel?

The best whole-house surge protector will prevent external power fluctuations from damaging equipment inside the home. They can also prevent feedback from internal surges traveling through the breaker system. However, a best-case scenario is to protect sensitive electronics with a strip surge protector as well.

Q. Do whole-home surge protectors work against lightning?

Yes. The recommended minimum protection from a whole-house system is 40,000A, though many are much higher. A lightning strike is usually around 30,000A. That said, it’s always advisable to unplug what you can if a lightning storm is imminent.

Q. How long does a whole-house surge protector last?

It’s impossible to say because component wear depends on the frequency and severity of power surges. Many manufacturers claim a life expectancy of 5 years or more, although 10 years is not uncommon. However, some low-cost devices may need to be replaced after just one significant lightning storm. If temporary loss of power is a major concern, you might want to consider a back-up generator.

Why Trust Bob Vila 

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.