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Monday, October 12, 2020

Question:

Hello Code Friends,

Help! I am in the middle of a service upgrade from 100 amps to 200 amps on our home. The inspector said that I have to install a whole-house surge protective device as part of the upgrade. Is this an NEC requirement?

Peter Crampton

A

Answer:

Hi Peter, 

Great question, and the NEC continues to evolve in this area. The 2020 NEC was revised to require surge protection for dwelling units. Which applies to new installations and service replacements (upgrades). Check Section 230.67 of the 2020 NEC. Previous editions did not require this unless it is a local electrical code rule that is in addition to the NEC minimums.

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