Surge Protection Device Testing and Certification Services

Experts in surge protection device testing

Our proven expertise in safety science and engineering enables us to serve the entire surge protective devices (SPDs) industry, from simple SPDs for light commercial and residential applications to complex SPDs that monitor and record the number of surges and indicate the status of an SPD. Our extensive, flexible service portfolio covers research and development, global market access, installation and end-use.

An overview on SPDs 

SPDs are intended to afford protection from electrical surges and spikes, including those caused directly and indirectly by lightning. SPDs are utilized as both complete devices and as components within electrical equipment installed in alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power systems.

The use of SPDs is often specified by the end-user or mandated by code or local requirements. For example, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 780 and UL 96A, the Standard for Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection Systems, require the use of surge protection as an integral part of a lightning protection system. Additionally, the National Electric Code® (NEC®), NFPA 70, requires surge-protective devices (Article 285) to be installed:

• Where disconnecting means have been designated as supplying an emergency system load in elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, platform lifts and stairway chairlifts
• For critical operations data systems of information technology equipment
• For industrial machinery with safety interlock circuits
• In or on the fire pump controllers
• In or on all emergency systems switchboards and panelboards
• At all facility distribution voltage levels in critical operations power systems (COPS)

Why testing surge protection devices is important

The use of SPDs has increased due to the proliferation of more complex electronics, LED lighting, photovoltaics and microprocessor-controlled devices that are more susceptible to damage due to surges caused by lightning and switching disturbances. Surge protection needs within a building will vary depending on the surge withstand capability of the equipment being protected, level of protection desired, geography or location of the equipment, and the functional criticality of the equipment.

Our surge protection device testing and certification services

With combined testing of surge protective devices, we can simultaneously provide global market access solutions for the UL Mark in North America, as well as other certifications and schemes for markets around the world. One certification process allows you to profit from faster speed to market. This streamlined and accelerated process helps save time and money through a well-proven global certification program.

UL evaluates SPDs to the following standards for compliance and safety, but not limited to:

• United States: UL 1449, the Standard for Surge Protective Devices (SPDs), edition 5 issued January 8, 2021
• Canada: CSA C22.2 NO. 269 Series of SPD Standards
• Mexico: NOM-003-SCFI (NMX-J-515-ANCE)
• Other global markets: IEC/EN 61643-11, -311, -321, -331, IEC 61643-31, IEC 61051

Areas of expertise

We provide investigations, testing and certification services for the following types of SPDs, but not limited to:

• Permanently connected — Types 1, 2 and 3 SPDs 
• Cord connected — Type 3 SPDs
• Outdoor-use (RV) cord connected — Type 3 SPDs
• Direct plug-in — Type 3 SPDs
• Receptacle type — Type 3 SPDs
• Open-type — Types 1, 2 and 3 SPDs
• Molded case SPDs — Types 1 and 2 SPDs
• SPDs certified for use in specified equipment — Types 1 and 2 SPDs
• Circuit breakers/SPDs — Types 1 and 2 SPDs
• Photovoltaic (PV) — Types 1, 2, and 4 component assembly and Type 5 component SPDs
• DC SPDs — Types 1, 2, 3 and 4 component assembly and Type 5 component SPDs
• Modular component SPDs — Types 1, 2, 3 and 4 component assembly and Type 5 component
• Discrete component SPDs — Type 4 component assembly and Type 5 component, includes:
  • SPDs metal oxide varistors (MOVs)
  • Gas discharge tubes (GDTs)
  • Silicon avalanche diodes (SADs)/avalanche breakdown diodes (ABDs) 
  • Hybrid devices consisting of MOVs, GDT, SADs and/or other components

Surge testing capabilities in North America and Taiwan

We have invested in surge testing equipment to help streamline surge testing and offer flexible testing options that can decrease time to market. The equipment includes an impulse current generator located in both North America and Taiwan. The equipment is capable of surge testing to global surge protective devices standards for SPDs rated for AC, DC and photovoltaic (PV) applications.