Best whole-home surge protectors (Type 1 & 2)

Key takeaways

  • For U.S. homes, the 2020 NEC requires a Type 1 or Type 2 surge protective device (SPD) at the service equipment (or immediately adjacent).

  • Look for UL 1449 listing, outdoor-rated (NEMA 4/4X) enclosures, clear status indicators, and a surge current rating (kA) that matches your risk (storms, long feeders, frequent utility events).

  • Layer protection: a panel-mounted SPD plus point-of-use Type 3 strips for sensitive electronics.

  • Prices and availability: updated August 18, 2025.

How I researched

  • I compared manufacturer datasheets and spec pages for top residential SPDs (Siemens, Eaton, Square D, Leviton, Intermatic) to verify ratings, enclosure classes, warranties, and indicators.

  • I cross-checked code requirements (NEC 230.67) using neutral explainers and manufacturer summaries of the 2020/2023 NEC updates.

Top picks

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1. Siemens FirstSurge FS140 — Best for most homes (high protection + clear status)

Siemens’ FS140 hits the sweet spot: UL 1449 Type 2, 140 kA surge capacity, NEMA 4X enclosure, plus a 3-stage status system (LEDs, audible alarm, service light) and ground-reference monitoring so you actually know when it’s time to replace. It installs on any 120/240V split-phase panel up to 400 A.
Pros

  • Big headroom: 140 kA per phase for harsh storm regions

  • 3-stage notification (LED + alarm) reduces “silent failure” risk

  • NEMA 4X enclosure for indoor/outdoor mounting

  • 10-year product + connected-equipment warranty (see terms)
    Cons

  • Type 2 only (service-side Type 1 not supported)

  • Larger housing than compact units
    Trade-offs / Who should skip

  • If you specifically want a Type 1 device (line or load side), see Square D HEPD80 below.

    Sale
    FHSPD140 Whole House Surge Protector FS140 Whole House Surge Protection Device Rated for 140,000 Amps, Whole Home Surge Protector, Indoor/Outdoor Use, 120/240V
    FHSPD140 Whole House Surge Protector FS140 Whole House Surge Protection Device Rated for 140,000 Amps, Whole Home Surge Protector, Indoor/Outdoor Use, 120/240V
    • Whole House Surge Protector: The FHSPD140 protects all your home's electrical devices, including computers, security systems, TVs, kitchen appliances, HVAC, and smart home tech
    • Reliable Protection: This device prevents harmful voltage spikes, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements, saving you time and money while shielding your home from severe weather impacts
    • High-Performance Design: With a surge capacity of up to 140,000 amps per phase, it features an audible alarm and LED indicators to let you know your home is protected, giving you peace of mind
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2. Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA — Best for easy sourcing & lifetime warranty

A contractor favorite that’s widely stocked. It’s UL 1449 Type 2, rated 108 kA surge current with 20 kA nominal discharge (In), NEMA 4 enclosure, and a limited lifetime warranty from Eaton. Clear VPR values are published for all modes.
Pros

3. Square D HEPD80 — Best Type 1 unit for universal panels

If you prefer Type 1 (line or load side) protection, the HEPD80 is compact, UL 1449 Type 1, 80 kA per phase, and NEMA 4X for outdoor exposure. Schneider lists VPR data (e.g., 600 V L-N, 1000 V L-L) so you can compare apples-to-apples.
Pros

  • Type 1 flexibility (service or load side)

  • NEMA 4X compact housing fits tight meter-main spaces

  • Published VPRs across modes for spec-driven shoppers
    Cons

  • Lower surge rating than 100–140 kA competitors

  • LED-only status indicator
    Trade-offs / Who should skip

  • If you live in a high-exposure lightning corridor and want >100 kA, choose FS140 or Leviton B2120-B.

    Sale
    Square D HEPD80 Universal Whole House Surge Protection Device, 1-Phase, 3-Wire for 120/240V, 80kA
    Square D HEPD80 Universal Whole House Surge Protection Device, 1-Phase, 3-Wire for 120/240V, 80kA
    • The HEPD80 is easily connected to any brand of residential load center and provides the customer a green status LED to ensure proper protection
    • Includes an LED indicator
    • NEMA 4X rated for outdoor/indoor use, 80,000 amp Surge Current Rating, 25,000 amp SCCR. CSA and UL 1449 3rd Edition Type 1 SPD
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4. Leviton B2120-B (Type 2) — Best premium alternative with strong per-phase rating

Leviton’s B Series is a modern, UL 1449 Type 2 lineup with a NEMA 4X enclosure. The B2120-B is rated 65 kA per mode / 130 kA per phase, In = 20 kA, and includes LED + audible alarm. Leviton publishes complete VPR data for all modes.
Pros

  • High 130 kA per-phase protection; 200 kA SCCR

  • NEMA 4X, indoor/outdoor, with audible alarm

  • Detailed VPR specs aid comparisons
    Cons

  • Typically pricier than entry units

  • Availability can fluctuate by region
    Trade-offs / Who should skip

  • If you need a Type 1 unit at the service conductors, pick Square D HEPD80 instead.

    Sale
    Square D HEPD80 Universal Whole House Surge Protection Device, 1-Phase, 3-Wire for 120/240V, 80kA
    Square D HEPD80 Universal Whole House Surge Protection Device, 1-Phase, 3-Wire for 120/240V, 80kA
    • The HEPD80 is easily connected to any brand of residential load center and provides the customer a green status LED to ensure proper protection
    • Includes an LED indicator
    • NEMA 4X rated for outdoor/indoor use, 80,000 amp Surge Current Rating, 25,000 amp SCCR. CSA and UL 1449 3rd Edition Type 1 SPD
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5. Intermatic IG2240-IMSK — Best for easy maintenance (replaceable modules)

This UL 1449 5th-edition device can be installed as Type 1 or Type 2 and uses replaceable iModules with status LEDs, so end-of-life service is quick. It carries a 10-year product warranty plus $50,000 connected-equipment coverage (see terms). Rated 50 kA per phase with full 6-mode protection.
Pros

  • Type 1 or 2 flexibility; 6-mode protection

  • Field-replaceable modules reduce downtime

  • 10-year/$50k warranty coverage
    Cons

  • Lower kA rating than the 100–140 kA class

  • NEMA rating is indoor metal; plan location accordingly
    Trade-offs / Who should skip

  • Skip if you want maximum surge headroom; choose FS140 or B2120-B.

    Intermatic IG2240-IMSK Advanced Surge Protection with Easy Maintenance - Intermatic Smart Guard IG2240-IMSK Whole Home Surge Protector, Black
    Intermatic IG2240-IMSK Advanced Surge Protection with Easy Maintenance - Intermatic Smart Guard IG2240-IMSK Whole Home Surge Protector, Black
    • EASILY REPLACE IMODULES, NO NEW SPD UNIT REQUIRED - This surge protector comes with three IModules featuring LED lights for quick power and protection status indication. Easily replace IModules without the need for installing a new SPD unit.
    • EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR PEACE OF MIND - With a $50,000 connected equipment warranty for 10 years, this surge protector offers reliable coverage, providing peace of mind for your appliances and electronics.
    • CONVENIENT DISCONNECT SWITCH - The included Module Power Switch on IG2240-IMSK allows for the convenient disconnection of power when replacing IModules, ensuring hassle-free maintenance.
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Buying guide

  • Type matters: Type 1 SPDs can go on the line or load side; Type 2 are for the load side only. Both satisfy NEC 230.67 for dwellings—pick Type 1 if you want the option to land on the service conductors.

  • How much kA do you need? More surge current (kA) generally means more life and headroom during major events. In storm-heavy regions, aim for ~100 kA+ per phase (e.g., FS140 140 kA, Leviton B2120-B 130 kA).

  • Enclosure rating: Outdoor or damp locations call for NEMA 4/4X; don’t put indoor-only gear outside.

  • Status & alarms: Audible alarms/LEDs help you catch end-of-life. If you don’t want to periodically check an LED, choose a unit with an alarm (e.g., FS140, B2120-B).

  • Install best practices: Keep leads short and straight to minimize let-through voltage; use the breaker position closest to the neutral/ground bar. Hire a licensed electrician, and follow UL/NEC and the device instructions.

  • Layer your defense: A whole-home SPD plus Type 3 point-of-use strips at TVs/PCs adds protection from internal switching surges.

FAQs

Q: Do I legally need one?
A: In areas on the 2020 NEC or later, dwelling services must have a Type 1 or 2 SPD at (or right next to) the service equipment; replacement services must add one as well. Local adoption timing varies—ask your AHJ.

Q: Type 1 vs Type 2—what should I choose?
A: Type 1 can be line or load side; Type 2 is load side only. Either meets code for dwellings. If space at the meter-main is tight, a compact Type 1 (e.g., HEPD80) is handy.

Q: Will a whole-home unit replace my surge power strips?
A: No—use both. The panel SPD clamps big/externally-originated surges; point-of-use strips address residual and internally generated transients at sensitive gear.

Q: How do I know it’s still protecting?
A: Check the status indicator; some models also beep at end-of-life (e.g., FS140). Replace when the indicator shows loss of protection or per manufacturer guidance.

Q: Any installation tips to improve performance?
A: Keep leads short/straight and mount near the breaker feeding it—long leads increase let-through voltage. An electrician will size the breaker and verify grounding.

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