Class 3 Surge Protection Device Installation

Class 3 surge protection is designed to guard against internal and external surges, caused by lightning and small spikes from large appliances. Installed in the main breaker panel, these devices incorporate metal oxide varistors -- small devices that absorb these spikes faster and more effectively than fuses. On occasion, upgraded versions have gas discharge tubes that act even faster. Installing these is easier than you may think, and protects an entire circuit rather than a single outlet.

Screwdrivers -- Philips, standard, Torx, hex

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the main power, by pulling down the handle on the side of the breaker box.
- 2
  Identify the circuit you wish to install the surge protector into. This probably will be labeled by the electrician that installed the panel during the home's construction.
- 3
  Unscrew the white neutral wire from the neutral bus bar. This bar is identified by locating a series of white neutral wires leading into it.
- 4
  Unscrew the ground wire leading to the circuit you wish to protect. Identify the proper ground wire in the same manner as the neutral.
- 5
  Loosen the small set screws on the class 3 device. Insert the neutral and ground wires into their labeled respective positions. Tighten the set screws back down to secure.
- 6
  Snap the surge protection device into the metal mounting tabs inside the breaker box. Turn the power back on. Examine the surge protector to ensure the green light is activated.

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