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10 Best Hardwired Whole House Surge Protectors 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Square D HEPD80 Universal Whole House Surge Protection Device, 1-Phase, 3-Wire for 120/240V, 80kA

The Schneider Electric Square D HEPD Whole Home Electronics Protective Device is designed to protect your entire home’s electrical system from damaging voltage surges, rather than just individual devices plugged into surge strips. It offers a robust surge protection rating, with an 80,000-amp current capacity, making it suitable for handling strong electrical spikes caused by lightning or power fluctuations. This device plugs directly into your home's load center, making installation straightforward for most electricians. It covers a standard residential voltage of 120/240V and supports a single-phase 3-wire system, which fits most home electrical setups.

One of the key strengths of this surge protector is its ability to safeguard all connected electronics—from computers and TVs to HVAC and security systems—extending their lifespan by preventing harmful voltage spikes. The LED status indicator is a helpful feature, providing a clear signal when the device needs to be replaced, ensuring ongoing protection without guesswork. It holds UL 1449 certification, which means it meets recognized safety and performance standards.

The device is rated for 80 amps current, which suits typical household circuits but may not be enough for extremely large or specialized electrical systems. Backed by a 5-year warranty and strong customer ratings, it provides reliable, whole-home surge defense for most residential users. This product is especially beneficial if you're looking for a hardwired solution that protects beyond individual outlets or power strips.

#2

Square D by Schneider Electric HOM2175SB Homeline SurgeBreaker, Surge Protection Device, 25kA, 120/240V, 1-Phase, 3-Wire

The Square D HOM2175SB Homeline SurgeBreaker offers reliable whole-house protection with a surge protection rating of 25kA, making it capable of handling substantial surges. It's designed for 120/240V, single-phase systems, which makes it suitable for most residential setups. One of its standout features is the equal protection it provides across all circuits and receptacles throughout the home, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

The device includes an LED indicator that can help in quickly assessing its operational status. Additionally, its UL 1449 3rd Edition listing ensures it meets stringent safety standards. The plug-on installation requiring 2 spaces is straightforward but might need professional assistance if you're unfamiliar with electrical work.

It is constructed with durable plastic and metal materials and is compact in size, which fits well in tight spaces. It appears to be a robust option for those needing whole-house surge protection, particularly in homes with a Homeline load center setup.

#3

Intermatic IG2240-IMSK Advanced Surge Protection with Easy Maintenance - Intermatic Smart Guard IG2240-IMSK Whole Home Surge Protector, Black

Rating
9.7
Number of Modes of Protection

Most important from
299 reviews

Number of Modes of Protection
Protects both 110-volt legs to ground and across the 220-volt lines for comprehensive three-way protection.

The Intermatic IG2240-IMSK Advanced Surge Protector offers a robust solution for safeguarding your entire home’s devices and appliances. One of its significant strengths is the six modes of comprehensive protection, utilizing advanced TPMOV technology, which ensures your electronics are shielded from various types of surges.

The easy maintenance aspect, including replaceable IModules with LED indicators for quick status checks, adds to its user-friendly appeal. This is particularly beneficial for those who may not be technically inclined but want effective surge protection without the hassle of complex installations or frequent replacements of the entire unit. Additionally, the convenient Module Power Switch allows for safe disconnection of power when replacing modules, further enhancing its ease of use.

The durable, tamper-proof design means it is well-suited for indoor metal applications and provides an extra layer of security. Another notable advantage is the extended 10-year warranty, which includes a $50,000 connected equipment guarantee, offering substantial peace of mind regarding the protection of your valuable appliances. The features and benefits highlighted make it a strong contender for those seeking reliable, whole-house surge protection with minimal maintenance requirements.

Rating
9.7
Number of Modes of Protection

Most important from
299 reviews

Number of Modes of Protection
Protects both 110-volt legs to ground and across the 220-volt lines for comprehensive three-way protection.

Buying Guide for the Best Hardwired Whole House Surge Protectors

When it comes to protecting your home from electrical surges, a hardwired whole-house surge protector is an essential investment. These devices are installed directly into your home's electrical panel and provide a first line of defense against power surges that can damage your appliances, electronics, and other electrical systems. Choosing the right surge protector involves understanding several key specifications that determine its effectiveness and suitability for your home. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through these specifications and make an informed decision.
Surge Protection Rating (Joules)The surge protection rating, measured in joules, indicates the amount of energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. This is important because it determines how well the device can protect your home from power surges. Lower ratings (around 1000-2000 joules) are suitable for smaller homes or areas with fewer electronics, while higher ratings (3000 joules and above) are better for larger homes with more electronic devices. To pick the right one, consider the number and value of the electronics and appliances you need to protect.
Clamping VoltageClamping voltage is the voltage level at which the surge protector will start to divert excess electricity away from your devices. This is crucial because a lower clamping voltage means better protection for your electronics. Typical clamping voltages range from 330V to 400V. For most homes, a clamping voltage of 330V is ideal as it offers more sensitive protection. If you have particularly sensitive electronics, opt for a lower clamping voltage.
Response TimeResponse time refers to how quickly the surge protector reacts to a surge. Faster response times mean your devices are protected more quickly. This is important because even a slight delay can result in damage to your electronics. Most whole-house surge protectors have response times in the nanosecond range. Look for a surge protector with a response time of less than 1 nanosecond for optimal protection.
Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (MCOV)MCOV is the maximum voltage that the surge protector can handle continuously without degrading. This is important because it ensures the surge protector can handle the normal voltage levels in your home without being damaged. Typical MCOV values range from 120V to 150V. Choose a surge protector with an MCOV that matches or slightly exceeds your home's standard voltage to ensure it can handle everyday electrical loads.
Number of Modes of ProtectionModes of protection refer to the different pathways through which the surge protector can divert excess electricity. Common modes include L-N (Line to Neutral), L-G (Line to Ground), and N-G (Neutral to Ground). This is important because more modes of protection mean better overall protection for your home. For comprehensive protection, look for a surge protector that offers all three modes (L-N, L-G, N-G).
UL 1449 RatingThe UL 1449 rating is a certification from Underwriters Laboratories that indicates the surge protector has been tested and meets specific safety and performance standards. This is important because it ensures the device is reliable and effective. Look for surge protectors with a UL 1449 rating of at least 3rd edition, as this indicates the device meets the latest safety standards.

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