It is a device that protects the electrical installation, and connected devices, within a property, i.e the consumer unit, all wiring and sockets, lights etc, from an electrical ‘surge’ known as transient over voltages.
What can cause these ‘surges’?
A surge, or over voltage, can be caused by lightning strikes, a broken power line or damage to main cables such as may occur when road works or main drainage works are being carried out.
Why do I need an SPD? I have not heard it mentioned before.
Whilst it has always been a requirement for some types of buildings and electrical installation it is now deemed to be prudent for all installations and has been included in the latest electrical guidelines ‘The 18th Edition Amendment’ that came into force in 28th March 2022.
There are several reasons for this:
Today’s weather patterns are changing with more stormy weather affecting many areas now. This heightens the risk of lightning strikes.
Most households these days have a large amount of electronic equipment, laptops, games consoles, mobile phones, media boxes. All of these could be damaged, and data lost, as a result of an electrical power surge.
Many people are working from home now and the trend is for it to continue, with the use of company equipment becoming more at risk of damage and data loss.
It may well be, or become, part of your household insurance to have Surge Protection in place.
Must I have an SPD fitted?
– It’s up to you!
It is our obligation, as an electrical contractor, bound by the latest 18th Edition Amendment, to inform you of the risk. It is for you to decide whether having an SPD fitted is an expense that you want to make now.
If we are quoting you for electrical works then we will also quote you for fitting an SPD, either as part of the works that we are carrying out for you or as a separate item altogether.
You can then decide which is the best option for you.