The Best Whole-House Surge Protectors of 2024

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Whole-House Surge Protectors of 2024 and hope the blog can help you.

A whole-house surge protector can prevent external power surges from damaging your electronics.

Extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and thunderstorms pose obvious power-outage threats, but other factors contribute to voltage surges more often than you might realize. Faults or fires in main transformers or generating equipment can disrupt your home’s power supply. Additionally, brownouts, or drops in voltage in an electrical power supply system, often result in a surge as power is restored.

These incidents are far from unusual. A power surge may last only a fraction of a second, but anyone who has been on the receiving end can tell you how dramatic the results can be. Excess electricity has the capacity to damage everything from a computer, TV, or refrigerator to the compressor of an HVAC system.

Fortunately, devices to prevent these problems are surprisingly affordable—particularly when weighed against the cost of replacing damaged items. As an engineer and home remodeler, I have worked with electrical contractors to specify and install them on a few occasions. Through my experience, my favorite whole-house surge protector is the Siemens FirstSurge FS140 Total Home Surge Protection. It comes with a 140kA protection rating, 4X-rated thermoplastic NEMA enclosure, and is compatible with most Type 2 devices I’ve tried.

With this comprehensive guide, I can help you determine how to choose the best whole-house surge protector for your property.

1. BEST OVERALL: Siemens FirstSurge FS140 Total Home Surge Protection
2. RUNNER-UP: Leviton 51120-1 Type 2 Single Phase Surge Panel
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eaton CHSPT2SURGE SPD Type 2 Surge Protector
4. BEST MIDRANGE: Schneider Electric Square D HEPD80 Surge Protection
5. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA Surge Protection Device
6. BEST FLUSH-MOUNT: Leviton 51110-SRG Type 2 Residential Surge Protection
7. HONORABLE MENTION: Intermatic IG1240RC3 6-Mode Surge Protective Device
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Intermatic IG2240-IMSK Metal Surge Protective Device

How We Chose the Best Whole-House Surge Protectors

For those without in-depth electrical knowledge, choosing a surge protection device (SPD) can be a confusing prospect. I tried to keep the selection criteria as straightforward as possible while still making sure there were options for every homeowner.

With the help of the Bob Vila research team, I looked at over two dozen devices to make sure we had a good overall view of the whole house surge protectors currently available. Generally speaking, a higher kiloAmps (kA) rating means greater protection. Some devices suppress surges better than others, and the most advanced models may have a comparatively low kA rating. National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) ratings are key to knowing which device can be installed where, so we chose a number of alternatives to maximize user choice. (For more information on kA ratings, read the section Voltage and Surge Protector Ratings below our product reviews.)

Finally, premium brands may offer extensive features and high levels of protection, but not everyone feels they are necessary. As a result, we’ve included devices at various price points.

Our Top Picks

Each of these SPDs has its own unique features and benefits, and the following categories should help you quickly identify the best surge protector for your situation.

Best Overall

Siemens FirstSurge FS140 Total Home Surge Protection

See It

Product Specs 

• SPD: Type 2
• Protection rating: 140kA
• NEMA enclosure: Type 4X

Pros

• Offers the highest protection level of any Type 2 device we found
• Tough NEMA 4X-rated casing allows for indoor or outdoor installation
• Compatible with all load centers (breaker boxes) for either residential or commercial use

Cons

• Complaints are rare, but the product does come with a premium price tag

Siemens offers a range of surge-protection devices. The FS140 is their premium model, offering the highest protection on our list at 140kA. It comes with a tough thermoplastic NEMA 4X-rated case and can be fitted to any main breaker panel via a double-pole circuit breaker of 30 amps (A) or less.

Commercial-class diagnostics means there are three stages of alert, including an audible alarm and flashing red LED light if the electrical system is unprotected. Siemens coaxial and digital subscriber line (DSL) phone and modem protection devices can be added to provide comprehensive coverage, though it costs extra.

This device is a bit more expensive than much of the competition, but this level of protection should offer peace of mind even in lightning-storm-prone areas.

Get the Siemens whole-house surge protector at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Runner-Up

Leviton 51120-1 Type 2 Single Phase Surge Panel

See It

Product Specs 

• SPD: Type 2
• Protection rating: 50kA
• NEMA enclosure: Type 1

Pros

• Designed to protect sensitive electronics in residential, commercial, and industrial locations
• Prepunched J-box enclosure for simplified installation can be flush mounted if required
• Can be integrated into Leviton’s automated Dacora Home Control System

Cons

• Type 1 enclosure is for indoor use only

Equally suitable for residential and light commercial use, Leviton’s easy-to-install Type 2 surge protection panel is designed for easy flush mounting beside the main breaker panel. In that position, it offers an instant visual reference to protection status via front-mounted LEDs. The J-box metal enclosure is prepunched for standard electrical conduit connections and is NEMA 1 rated for indoor use.

In line with its potential use in mixed commercial environments, there’s a tremendous amount of technical information displayed right on the case front. Offering 50kA protection for single-phase supply, this device can be integrated with Leviton’s smart Dacora Home Controls.

Get the Leviton 51120-1 whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Eaton CHSPT2SURGE SPD Type 2 Surge Protector

See It

Product Specs 

• SPD: Type 2
• Protection rating: 36kA
• NEMA enclosure: Type 4

Pros

• A reliable device from a leading brand that offers affordable protection
• NEMA 4-rated enclosure can withstand rain and freezing temperatures
• Compact, with an innovative mount design that fits almost any panel

Cons

• The protection level may not be sufficient for a direct lightning strike

Eaton has built a reputation for reliable and durable equipment at competitive prices, and its Type 2 SPD is no exception. It offers excellent protection in an affordable package.

The compact unit can be installed indoors or out and is easy to mount thanks to an innovative universal design that can be adapted to almost any panel. The NEMA 4 case is unusual on a budget device and capable of protecting the internal circuitry from rain, snow, and ice.

The Eaton Type 2 SPD is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed and offers the standard four protection modes. LED indicators give clear indication of status. The unit has a maximum surge protection rating of 36kA, though it may be defeated by a direct lightning strike.

Get the Eaton CHSPT2SURGE whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Midrange

Schneider Electric Square D HEPD80 Surge Protection

See It

Product Specs 

• SPD: Type 1
• Protection rating: 80kA
• NEMA enclosure: Type 4

Pros

• The high level of surge protection makes this device excellent value for the money
• Compact and rugged NEMA 4X enclosure can be fitted indoors or out
• Most SPDs provide 4 modes, whereas this model has 6 for greater surge dispersal

Cons

• Some owners are critical of the warranty claims procedure

This high-quality Type 1 whole-house surge protector from Schneider Electric offers the ultimate in versatility. The compact unit features a NEMA 4X case, can be installed indoors or out, and is designed to be fitted on the line side of any residential breaker panel.

Whereas most surge protectors offer four modes of protection (the way the surge is channeled away from the home’s electric devices), the HEPD80 offers six. While this feature is perhaps only of interest to professional electricians, it can increase the margin of safety provided.

Despite its impressive 80kA protection level, the HEPD80’s outstanding performance doesn’t also come with exorbitant pricing, as this unit remains a very affordable option. It is both UL listed and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified.

Get the Schneider Electric whole-house surge protector at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Heavy-Duty

Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA Surge Protection Device

See It

Product Specs 

• SPD: Type 2
• Protection rating: 108kA
• NEMA enclosure: Type 4

Pros

• Combines high protection level with a rugged all-weather Type 4 enclosure
• Easy to fit and designed to mount outside the breaker box for universal use
• Compatible with 120 or 240-volt lines in residential or commercial installations

Cons

• A special 50A thermal breaker is required, but this costs extra

The Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA is another example of this leading brand’s reputation for high-quality surge protection devices that won’t break the bank. Like the model we recommend as Best Bang for the Buck, this model has a tough NEMA 4 case that provides all-weather protection or can be fitted indoors. Because this compact SPD is installed outside the breaker box, it can be combined with any manufacturer’s load center.

With single surge protection of up to 108kA, this is one of the highest-rated Type 2 devices we found, and equally suitable for residential or commercial use on 120 or 240-volt lines. It offers four modes, useful LED status indicators, and is UL listed for safety.

Get the Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Flush-Mount

Leviton 51110-SRG Type 2 Residential Surge Protection

See It

Product Specs 

• SPD: Type 2
• Protection rating: 48kA
• NEMA enclosure: Type 4X

Pros

• Flush-mount design is smart enough for service entrance use and tough enough for outdoors
• A surprisingly budget-friendly SPD from a manufacturer with over 100 years of experience
• Can be integrated with the comprehensive Dacora Home Controls system

Cons

• Some owners complained that warranty is only honored if installed by an electrician

Flush mounting a surge protection device can result in a more attractive appearance, and while this isn’t always a consideration, it may be a factor when the device is visible. While the Leviton 51110-SRG can be used in individual residences, it is designed to be used in service entrances to apartments and condominiums, where it will certainly look neater than many rivals. The enclosure is NEMA 4X rated, and so it’s also perfectly safe for outdoor use.

Technical specifications can occasionally be confusing, and this Leviton SPD is described as providing 24kA per mode, which doesn’t seem particularly high. However, it actually has two modes that work together, and thus the true protection rating against any surge is a competitive 48kA. Given the low price, it is an excellent value.

Get the Leviton 51110-SRG whole-house surge protector at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Honorable Mention

Intermatic IG1240RC3 6-Mode Surge Protection Device

See It

Product Specs 

• SPD: Type 1 or Type 2
• Protection rating: 50kA
• NEMA enclosure: Type 3R

Pros

• Uses cost-effective modular replacements rather than needing to be changed completely
• Can be installed as either a Type 1 or Type 2 device, providing added versatility
• Has 6 modes for greater protection than the more common 4-mode devices

Cons

• The NEMA 3R enclosure is weather-resistant but not completely waterproof

Another versatile option, the Intermatic IG1240RC3 can either be installed line side by a professional electrician as a Type 1 device for the main power line or as a Type 2 device alongside the main breaker panel. The robust rainproof plastic case is rated NEMA 3R for use indoors or out. Protection of up to 50kA is provided via up to six modes.

A unique facet of this device is that it uses replaceable modules. Virtually every other whole-house surge protector has to be replaced in its entirety after one or more surge incidents, depending on severity. Instead, the Intermatic allows for replacing individual modules, which can be done by simply disconnecting the device. Over time, this could result in considerable savings, especially in areas subject to frequent lightning strikes.

Get the Intermatic IG1240RC3 whole-house surge protect