Code Quiz of Day

SPD Connection Requirements

Jan. 21, 2015

Article 285 covers general requirements, installation requirements, and connection requirements for surge-protective devices (SPDs) permanently installed on premises wiring systems of 1,000V or less.

Mike Holt

Where used, a surge protective device shall be connected to the grounded conductor of the circuit.

a) True
b) False

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: b) False

Article 285 covers general requirements, installation requirements, and connection requirements for surge-protective devices (SPDs) permanently installed on premises wiring systems of 1,000V or less. As noted in Sec. 285.4, "Where used at a point on a circuit, the SPD shall be connected to each ungrounded conductor."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.