Slicker
New Member
Hi, I'm trying to determine the most effective type of whole home surge protection to install on two Eaton BR type circuit breaker panels. The options I've looked at are all made by Eaton: CHSPT2ULTRA, BRNSURGE, and the BR230SUR. The CHSPT2ULTRA is the most difficult install for me since its an external device and there's not a lot of room around the panel to install it (the panels are mounted to studs on either side and there's insulation surrounding the panel). The BRNSURGE could be installed in any open two slot space in the panel which is much easier (I would still need to move a few breakers to make room though). However, I could just use the BR230SUR to replace an existing 30amp two pole breaker and from what I understand get similar protection to the BRNSURGE without taking up any spare slots.
What I can't determine is if there a marked difference in effectiveness between the three options. The CHSPT2ULTRA has a much higher maximum capacity than the two breaker options (108 kA vs. 38 kA), but I'm not sure if that higher capacity is worth the effort of getting it installed. The CHSPT2ULTRA also offers more modes of protection than the breaker types L-N/L-G/L-L/N-G vs. just L-N, L-L . I found a NEMA FAQ states that "some applications such as applying an SPD at a service entrance where both the neutral and ground points are bonded there is no benefit of separate L-N and L-G modes" so if that's accurate the biggest difference between the devices is the maximum surge capacity and the N-G mode of protection offered by the external device.
Does anyone have any thoughts on choosing between these different options?
Thanks in advance.
Here are the spec sheet for the devices in question if that's helpful.
BRNSURGE - https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.BRNSURGE.specifications.html
BR230SUR - https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.BR230SUR.specifications.html
CHSPT2ULTRA - https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.CHSPT2ULTRA.specifications.html
https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/e...al-safety/nec-surge-protection-cc003013en.pdf
What I can't determine is if there a marked difference in effectiveness between the three options. The CHSPT2ULTRA has a much higher maximum capacity than the two breaker options (108 kA vs. 38 kA), but I'm not sure if that higher capacity is worth the effort of getting it installed. The CHSPT2ULTRA also offers more modes of protection than the breaker types L-N/L-G/L-L/N-G vs. just L-N, L-L . I found a NEMA FAQ states that "some applications such as applying an SPD at a service entrance where both the neutral and ground points are bonded there is no benefit of separate L-N and L-G modes" so if that's accurate the biggest difference between the devices is the maximum surge capacity and the N-G mode of protection offered by the external device.
Does anyone have any thoughts on choosing between these different options?
Thanks in advance.
Here are the spec sheet for the devices in question if that's helpful.
BRNSURGE - https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.BRNSURGE.specifications.html
BR230SUR - https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.BR230SUR.specifications.html
CHSPT2ULTRA - https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.CHSPT2ULTRA.specifications.html
https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/e...al-safety/nec-surge-protection-cc003013en.pdf