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Best Whole-Home Surge Protectors for a Panel Upgrade, Compared on Permit Paperwork

Type 1 and Type 2 surge protectors for the electrical panel, compared on the safety listing, ratings and install instructions an electrician and inspector will ask about.

Updated Oct 5, 2026

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If your electrical panel or service is being replaced or upgraded, plan on a whole-home surge protector going in with it. Starting with the 2020 edition, the National Electrical Code (section 230.67) requires a Type 1 or Type 2 surge-protective device as part of the service equipment or right next to it, and NFPA says the rule covers both new services and service upgrades. Whether it applies to you depends on which code edition your state or city has adopted.

Key takeaways

  • Check the rule for your address before you order. Panel and service work is permitted electrical work in most places and usually needs a licensed electrician.
  • The device must be Type 1 or Type 2. Both are hardwired at the panel, so a plug-in power strip is not one of them.
  • Compare the UL 1449 ratings (In, SCCR and VPR), not the big surge number on the box.
  • Every maker here says an electrician should install it. Siemens and Leviton warn that a wrong neutral-to-ground bond can make the device fail and void the warranty.

How we compare surge protectors

We did not test these surge protectors. We read each maker's spec sheet or datasheet and installation instructions, noted the safety listing and ratings each maker prints, and checked that each Amazon listing is sold by Amazon or the maker. We did not look the products up in UL's listing database, so where a maker prints a UL file number, we show it for your inspector to confirm.

Our picks

  1. 1Best Type 1 overall

    Leviton P Series Type 1 Surge Panel, 120/240 V

    Model P2120-B

    Permit paperwork: Complete

    A Type 1 unit with every rating on one spec sheet and a UL file number the inspector can look up. It adds an audible alarm and dry contacts to the status light.

    Why we picked it: Leviton puts the UL 1449 edition, the UL file number, In, SCCR and every voltage protection rating on one sheet, and the unit adds an alarm and dry contacts to its status light.

    Permit paperwork

    • Yes:Safety listing stated (UL 1449 edition and file number) (UL 1449 5th Ed., UL file VZCA.E317603)
    • Yes:SPD type stated (Type 1 or Type 2) (Type 1)
    • Yes:Ratings published (In, SCCR and VPR) (In 20 kA, SCCR 200 kA, VPR for every mode)
    • Yes:Installation instructions published (20 A breaker suggested)
    • Partly:Panel fit stated (Mounts beside the panel through a breaker; no panel list)
    • Yes:Status light or alarm published (LED, audible alarm, Form C dry contacts)

    Specs

    Type
    UL 1449 Type 1, hardwired, mounts beside the panel
    Max surge current
    50 kA per mode, 50 kA per phase
    In / SCCR
    20 kA / 200 kA
    VPR (120/240 V)
    L-N 700 V, L-G 1200 V, N-G 600 V, L-L 1200 V
    Hookup
    About 16 in. #12 AWG leads, 20 A breaker suggested, 3/4 in. NPT nipple
    Warranty
    5-year limited; Leviton also lists connected equipment coverage

    Maker documents

    Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05
  2. 2Best Type 2

    Siemens BoltShield FSPD140 Whole-House Surge Protective Device

    Model FSPD140

    Permit paperwork: Mostly complete

    A Type 2 unit with a full ratings table, protection on every mode, and an alarm and dry contact on top of the status lights. Siemens prints two UL 1449 editions, so we report the older one.

    Why we picked it: A 200 kA SCCR, protection on every mode, and an audible alarm and dry contact, all in one Siemens document. The brochure and manual name different UL 1449 editions, so we list the older one.

    Permit paperwork

    • Partly:Safety listing stated (UL 1449 edition and file number) (UL 1449 4th Ed. per the manual (brochure says 5th); no file number)
    • Yes:SPD type stated (Type 1 or Type 2) (Type 2)
    • Yes:Ratings published (In, SCCR and VPR) (In 20 kA, SCCR 200 kA, VPR for every mode)
    • Yes:Installation instructions published (20 to 30 A breaker suggested)
    • Partly:Panel fit stated (Mounts beside the panel through a breaker; no panel list)
    • Yes:Status light or alarm published (LEDs, audible alarm, Form C dry contact)

    Specs

    Type
    UL 1449 Type 2, hardwired, mounts beside the panel
    Max surge current
    140 kA
    In / SCCR
    20 kA / 200 kA
    VPR (120/240 V)
    L-N 700 V, L-G 700 V, N-G 700 V, L-L 1200 V
    Hookup
    18 in. #12 AWG pre-wired leads, 20 to 30 A breaker suggested, 3/4 in. NPT nipple
    Warranty
    Not stated for the FSPD series in Siemens' brochure or manual

    Maker documents

    Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05
  3. 3Most flexible placement

    Intermatic IG Series 6-Mode Surge Protective Device, Outdoor Plastic

    Model IG1240RC3

    Permit paperwork: Mostly complete

    Certified as both Type 1 and Type 2, so it can go ahead of or after the main breaker. Its certification is to an older UL 1449 edition, and its two documents disagree on the fault current rating.

    Why we picked it: Certified as both Type 1 and Type 2, with wiring diagrams for each. Its certification is CSA to UL 1449 3rd Edition rather than a UL listing, and we use the lower 50 kA SCCR from its install sheet.

    Permit paperwork

    • Partly:Safety listing stated (UL 1449 edition and file number) (CSA certified to ANSI/UL 1449 3rd Ed., not UL listed; no file number)
    • Yes:SPD type stated (Type 1 or Type 2) (Type 1 or Type 2)
    • Partly:Ratings published (In, SCCR and VPR) (SCCR 100 kA (datasheet) vs 50 kA (install sheet))
    • Yes:Installation instructions published (Type 1 and Type 2 wiring, breaker size)
    • Partly:Panel fit stated (Wired through a breaker; no panel list)
    • Partly:Status light or alarm published (Green LED only)

    Specs

    Type
    Type 1 or Type 2 (cCSAus), hardwired
    Max surge current
    50 kA per phase
    In / SCCR
    20 kA / 50 kA (install sheet; the datasheet says 100 kA, we use the lower)
    VPR (120/240 V)
    L-N 700 V, L-G 1200 V, N-G 700 V, L-L 1200 V
    Hookup
    30 in. #12 AWG leads (cut short), 20 A 2-pole breaker max recommended for Type 2
    Enclosure
    Outdoor Type 3R plastic
    Warranty
    5-year limited, plus 5-year connected equipment coverage

    Maker documents

    Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05
  4. 4Best basic Type 1 for a home

    Leviton R Series Type 1 Surge Panel, 120/240 V

    Model R2120-B

    Permit paperwork: Mostly complete

    Leviton's residential unit: a compact Type 1 with the same UL file number as the P Series and a 200 kA SCCR. It protects two modes and has a status light only.

    Why we picked it: Leviton's residential model, with the same printed UL file number and a 200 kA SCCR. It protects two modes and has a status light but no alarm, a simpler choice for a basic panel swap.

    Permit paperwork

    • Yes:Safety listing stated (UL 1449 edition and file number) (UL 1449 5th Ed., UL file VZCA.E317603)
    • Yes:SPD type stated (Type 1 or Type 2) (Type 1)
    • Yes:Ratings published (In, SCCR and VPR) (In 10 kA, SCCR 200 kA, VPR L-N and L-L)
    • Yes:Installation instructions published (20 A breaker suggested)
    • Partly:Panel fit stated (Mounts beside the panel through a breaker; no panel list)
    • Partly:Status light or alarm published (LED only, no alarm or contacts)

    Specs

    Type
    UL 1449 Type 1, hardwired, mounts beside the panel
    Max surge current
    36 kA per mode, 36 kA per phase; two modes (L1-N, L2-N)
    In / SCCR
    10 kA / 200 kA
    VPR (120/240 V)
    L-N 700 V, L-L 1200 V
    Hookup
    About 18 in. #14 AWG leads, 20 A breaker suggested, 1/2 in. NPT nipple
    Warranty
    5-year limited; Leviton also lists connected equipment coverage

    Maker documents

    Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05
  5. 5Best Type 2 alternative

    Siemens BoltShield FSPD100 Whole-House Surge Protective Device

    Model FSPD100

    Permit paperwork: Mostly complete

    The FSPD140's sibling with a lower surge current rating and the same In, SCCR, voltage ratings, alarm and dry contact, all from the same Siemens document.

    Why we picked it: The same Siemens paperwork, ratings, alarm and dry contact as the FSPD140 with a lower surge current rating. Siemens' 2022 brochure marked it coming soon, so ask your electrician to confirm the current sheet.

    Permit paperwork

    • Partly:Safety listing stated (UL 1449 edition and file number) (UL 1449 4th Ed. per the manual (brochure says 5th); no file number)
    • Yes:SPD type stated (Type 1 or Type 2) (Type 2)
    • Yes:Ratings published (In, SCCR and VPR) (In 20 kA, SCCR 200 kA, VPR for every mode)
    • Yes:Installation instructions published (20 to 30 A breaker suggested)
    • Partly:Panel fit stated (Mounts beside the panel through a breaker; no panel list)
    • Yes:Status light or alarm published (LEDs, audible alarm, Form C dry contact)

    Specs

    Type
    UL 1449 Type 2, hardwired, mounts beside the panel
    Max surge current
    100 kA
    In / SCCR
    20 kA / 200 kA
    VPR (120/240 V)
    L-N 700 V, L-G 700 V, N-G 700 V, L-L 1200 V
    Hookup
    18 in. #12 AWG pre-wired leads, 20 to 30 A breaker suggested, 3/4 in. NPT nipple
    Warranty
    Not stated for the FSPD series in Siemens' brochure or manual

    Maker documents

    Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05

Side by side

ProductPaperworkTypeMax surge currentIn / SCCRVPR (120/240 V)HookupWarranty
Leviton P Series Type 1 Surge Panel, 120/240 V
Check price on Amazon
CompleteUL 1449 Type 1, hardwired, mounts beside the panel50 kA per mode, 50 kA per phase20 kA / 200 kAL-N 700 V, L-G 1200 V, N-G 600 V, L-L 1200 VAbout 16 in. #12 AWG leads, 20 A breaker suggested, 3/4 in. NPT nipple5-year limited; Leviton also lists connected equipment coverage
Siemens BoltShield FSPD140 Whole-House Surge Protective Device
Check price on Amazon
Mostly completeUL 1449 Type 2, hardwired, mounts beside the panel140 kA20 kA / 200 kAL-N 700 V, L-G 700 V, N-G 700 V, L-L 1200 V18 in. #12 AWG pre-wired leads, 20 to 30 A breaker suggested, 3/4 in. NPT nippleNot stated for the FSPD series in Siemens' brochure or manual
Intermatic IG Series 6-Mode Surge Protective Device, Outdoor Plastic
Check price on Amazon
Mostly completeType 1 or Type 2 (cCSAus), hardwired50 kA per phase20 kA / 50 kA (install sheet; the datasheet says 100 kA, we use the lower)L-N 700 V, L-G 1200 V, N-G 700 V, L-L 1200 V30 in. #12 AWG leads (cut short), 20 A 2-pole breaker max recommended for Type 25-year limited, plus 5-year connected equipment coverage
Leviton R Series Type 1 Surge Panel, 120/240 V
Check price on Amazon
Mostly completeUL 1449 Type 1, hardwired, mounts beside the panel36 kA per mode, 36 kA per phase; two modes (L1-N, L2-N)10 kA / 200 kAL-N 700 V, L-L 1200 VAbout 18 in. #14 AWG leads, 20 A breaker suggested, 1/2 in. NPT nipple5-year limited; Leviton also lists connected equipment coverage
Siemens BoltShield FSPD100 Whole-House Surge Protective Device
Check price on Amazon
Mostly completeUL 1449 Type 2, hardwired, mounts beside the panel100 kA20 kA / 200 kAL-N 700 V, L-G 700 V, N-G 700 V, L-L 1200 V18 in. #12 AWG pre-wired leads, 20 to 30 A breaker suggested, 3/4 in. NPT nippleNot stated for the FSPD series in Siemens' brochure or manual

Why a panel upgrade usually brings a surge protector

Section 230.67 was new in the 2020 National Electrical Code. NFPA, which publishes the code, describes it this way: dwelling unit services must have a Type 1 or Type 2 surge-protective device, built into the service equipment or mounted right next to it, and the rule applies to new services and service upgrades. So when an electrician pulls a permit to replace your panel or service, the surge protector is often part of the job where a 2020 or later code is in force.

Which code edition applies where you live

Rules vary by place. States, counties and cities each adopt an edition of the NEC, sometimes with their own changes. NFPA's adoption map, when we checked it, showed Texas, Georgia and New York on the 2023 edition, California on 2023 with amendments, and Pennsylvania on 2020. It also showed some states on 2017 or older editions, such as Nevada on 2017 and Kansas on 2008, and some, such as Arizona, that leave adoption to local governments. A state on an older edition has no statewide 230.67 rule, but a city or county can still adopt a newer edition. Your building department can tell you which one applies.

Type 1 or Type 2: where it goes

Both types satisfy 230.67. Leviton's instructions explain the difference the way UL 1449 does: a Type 1 device is meant for the line side of the main service disconnect but may also go on the load side, while a Type 2 device goes on the load side. The Intermatic pick is certified for either position.

What the electrician will check

  • Its own breaker. On the load side, each maker here connects the device through its own circuit breaker, which Siemens and Leviton say also serves as its disconnect. Follow the maker's size: Leviton suggests 20 A, Siemens 20 to 30 A, and Intermatic a 20 A two-pole breaker at most.
  • Short, straight leads. Every maker here asks for the shortest, straightest wires possible, and Siemens says to plan for the nearest breaker positions. Intermatic ships 30-inch leads to be cut to length.
  • The neutral-to-ground bond. Siemens and Leviton say the bond must follow the NEC, or the device can fail and the warranty is void.
  • Testing. Siemens and Leviton say to disconnect the device before any high-voltage insulation test of the panel.
  • Voltage and fault current. All five picks are for 120/240-volt split-phase service, the usual US house setup. Each maker also states the most fault current the device may be connected to (its SCCR), which the electrician compares with what your service can deliver.

What to hand your electrician and inspector

Send the model number, the spec sheet showing the UL 1449 type and ratings, and the installation instructions before the job is quoted. If the maker prints a UL file number, the inspector can confirm it in UL's database. Ask the electrician to use a breaker size within the maker's range.

Also considered

Products we looked at and left out, as of Oct 5, 2026. No links, because we would not recommend buying them through us.

  • Square D HEPD80

    Its Amazon listing was sold by an unrelated third party, and the listing's model number (HEPD80C-AMZ) differs from the maker's.

  • Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA

    Its Amazon listing was sold by a third party, and Eaton's spec sheet has a typo in its short-circuit current rating figure.

  • ABB THQLSURGE2

    Its Amazon listing was sold by a third party, and it plugs into ABB and GE PowerMark load centers only.

  • Ditek DTK-120/240HW

    Its Amazon listing was sold by a third party, and the listing title says 72,000 A while Ditek's datasheet says 50,000 A.

  • Siemens FS140 FirstSurge Pro

    The Siemens listing had no Amazon offer when we checked, and searches for it turn up look-alike listings from other brands.

  • Leviton B2120-B

    Sold by Amazon, but Leviton markets the B Series for commercial branch panels and light commercial main panels, so we picked its residential R Series.

  • Leviton 51120-1 and 51110-SRG

    Both are discontinued on leviton.com, which points to the P2120-B and R2120-B instead.

Before you order, check your address

Permit rules change from one city to the next. The free check tells you what your building department requires, the documents to prepare and who to call.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a whole-home surge protector when I replace my electrical panel?
Often, yes. Under the 2020 NEC and later, NFPA says dwelling unit services need a Type 1 or Type 2 surge protector at or next to the service equipment, including service upgrades. Some states are still on older editions and some leave it to local governments, so check the rule for your address.
What is the difference between a Type 1 and a Type 2 surge protector?
A Type 1 device can go on the line side of the main breaker or on the load side. A Type 2 device goes on the load side. The NEC rule accepts either one, and both are hardwired.
Can I install a whole-home surge protector myself?
Every maker in this guide says an electrician should install it, and it connects inside your main panel. Licensing rules vary by state. Texas, for example, requires non-exempt electrical work to be done by a licensed person through a licensed electrical contractor. Ask your building department before you touch the panel.
What do the kA numbers on the box mean?
The big number is the maker's maximum surge current rating. The UL 1449 ratings tell you more: nominal discharge current (In), short-circuit current rating (SCCR) and voltage protection rating (VPR). Siemens lists the FSPD140 at In 20 kA and SCCR 200 kA, for example.
How do I know if the surge protector has stopped working?
Watch the status light. Intermatic says that if its green LED is off, protection has diminished and the device should be replaced. The Leviton P Series and Siemens FSPD models add an audible alarm and dry contacts, and Siemens adds a red light that flashes on a fault.
Why are the prices not listed?
Prices change often, so the buttons take you to Amazon for the current price. PermitRoadmap earns a commission on qualifying purchases, which does not change our ratings or the permit information.

PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.