Do the surge protection requirements in NFPA 780 include plug-in surge protective devices (SPDs)?

The surge protection requirements outlined in NFPA 780 primarily focus on the protection of structures, including lightning rods and grounding systems, to ensure the safety and integrity of buildings and their electrical systems from the effects of lightning strikes. While plug-in surge protective devices (SPDs) are essential for safeguarding electrical equipment from surges, specifically those caused by internal disturbances or equipment failures, NFPA 780 does not cover these devices in its lightning protection criteria.

This distinction is crucial, as NFPA 780 is specifically tailored to address the risks associated with direct lightning strikes and the overarching lightning protection system. Plug-in SPDs, on the other hand, deal with transient voltages that may occur due to various factors unrelated to direct lightning impacts. Thus, the inclusion of plug-in SPDs does not align with the focus of NFPA 780 on fundamental lightning protection principles.