I am having my power company (Duke Energy) install a type 1 surge protector in the meter socket.

As added protection i installed surge protector on the A/c disconnect.

In addition I will be installing a "Type 2" protector at the main breaker panel.

i am looking at 2 units:

1. First the Eaton Ultra

http://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/publ...b00414001y.pdf

2. second the Siemens unit

https://w3.usa.siemens.com/powerdist...01-044-046.pdf

I have a Siemens panel so the Siemens SPD will fit.

Looks like the Siemens is a simple plug in breaker. As I understand it if there are no available slots in the panel (mine is full) it is permissible to "double tap" the Siemens unit.

Instructions for the Eaton unit say that ideally you should have a dedicated breaker but they do not say it is a must.

My existing Siemens breakers are "QP' and can be double tapped (piggy backed??). Not sure of proper term.

The Eaton unit even if I can double tap into existing breaker will require mounting outside of box and a bit more work.

Any downside to the Siemens unit?

I came across this article and it discusses items like types of protection, max surge capacity etc.

What's the "Best" Whole-House Surge Protection?


The article gave best rating to Eaton and did not even mention the Siemens unit. When looking at Siemens specs on Siemens page the specs seem lower than the Eaton but I'm no electrical engineer.

As an example the Siemens offers line to neutral and line to line protection.
So does the Eaton but in addition Eaton offers neutral to ground and line to ground protection.

Is this important? I have no idea what i really need.




Any advice is appreciated.

 

No, that is not correct. The Siemens unit you linked to is used in a full Siemens panel by replacing two adjacent Type QP 20 amp single pole breakers. The unit you linked to has two 20 amp single pole brealers built into it to connect those two circuits. No double lugging required.

Eaton/Cutler-Hammer has similar devices for both their CH and BR series loadcenters.