Is it true that surge protection can be installed at subpanels or branch panels?

Surge protection can indeed be installed at subpanels or branch panels, and while it’s a beneficial practice for enhancing overall electrical safety, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 780 does not mandate it as a requirement. This means that while it is advisable to install surge protection at these locations to safeguard sensitive electronic equipment, doing so is not explicitly required by the standards set forth by NFPA 780.

The importance of surge protection at subpanels comes from its ability to mitigate the effects of electrical surges, which can be caused by various sources such as lightning strikes or utility switching. These surges can travel through the electrical system, potentially damaging equipment connected to a subpanel or branch panel. Therefore, while the NFPA recognizes it is a good practice, it does not classify it as a strict requirement, offering flexibility for implementation based on specific system designs and needs.

This understanding emphasizes the distinction between recommendations and regulatory requirements, highlighting that while surge protection enhances safety and resilience against electrical surges, its installation outside of main service entrances is still permissible but not obligatory according to NFPA 780 standards.