How to Choose the Right Surge Protection Device: Type 1 vs Type 2 vs Type 3 SPD

In the power-oriented world that we all live in today, an instant voltage spike can destroy costly electrical equipment or disrupt a complete renewable system. This is why "optional" doesn't mean "luxury," but rather "necessity": a surge protection device (SPD).


Whether it is residential panels or utility-scale solar farms, SPDs protect systems from lightning strikes, switching surges and transient overvoltages. But choosing the right one is essential. There are several types: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. 


In this blog, we will explore surge protection devices and how they fit your setup best. Let's start. 

1. Understanding what a surge protection device (SPD) does

A surge protection device (SPD) is like your electrical system's personal bodyguard. It senses and redirects sudden voltage spikes (surges) that can result from a lightning strike, power switching, or bad wiring — preventing such incidents from frying delicate equipment.


Picture lightning striking a power line in your neighborhood. If you don't have an SPD, the surge can make its way through the cables into your system, frying circuits or control units (or even a transformer). A properly selected SPD safely channels that excess energy to the ground, keeping your setup protected and running smoothly.


 

2. Type 1 SPD – The first line of defense

Type 1 surge protection devices are designed to handle direct lightning strikes or high-energy surges coming from external sources. These are typically installed at the main service entrance or distribution board, right where power enters the building or facility.


They're commonly used in:

  • Industrial plants
  • Large commercial buildings
  • Wind or solar power installations connected to overhead lines

Type 1 SPDs are capable of discharging extremely high surge currents, typically in the range of 10–25 kA per pole.


If you're working on a project exposed to lightning-prone environments, pairing a Type 1 SPD with a reliable ESE lightning arrester from a trusted lightning arrester manufacturer ensures maximum protection from both direct and indirect lightning strikes.



 

3. Type 2 SPD – The everyday protector

Type 2 surge protection devices are the most common type used in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical panels. Installed at the sub-distribution level, they handle overvoltages that originate internally — for example, from switching operations, capacitor banks, or inverter systems in solar plants.


Key advantages:

  • They provide adequate protection for most electrical loads.
  • They're compact, affordable, and easy to install.
  • They protect sensitive devices like PLCs, control panels, and communication circuits.

In renewable energy projects, a surge protection device Type 2 is essential for ensuring the consistent performance of solar inverters and wind control units. It acts as a middle shield, catching what the Type 1 SPD doesn't stop.


4. Type 3 SPD – The final layer of protection

While Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs protect at the primary and sub-distribution levels, Type 3 SPDs are installed closest to the equipment, like computers, control boards, or communication systems.


They handle lower-energy surges (typically up to 1.5 kA) and are ideal for point-of-use protection. You'll often see them integrated into:

  • Power strips
  • Socket outlets
  • Sensitive control units

For high-value renewable setups, this "last mile" protection ensures that even residual surges that pass through the main SPDs don't damage precision electronics.


5. Choosing the right combination of SPDs

For complete protection, it's best to use multiple surge protection devices (SPDs) that work together at different stages of your electrical system. Think of it as building layers of defense against voltage surges.

  • Start with a Type 1 SPD at the main distribution board — it handles large, external surges caused by lightning or grid disturbances.
  • Add a Type 2 SPD at the sub-distribution level to protect against smaller, internally generated surges from switching operations or inverter systems.
  • Finally, use a Type 3 SPD near sensitive equipment like computers, PLCs, and control panels to catch any remaining transient voltage.

This layered approach ensures every part of your electrical network — from the main panel to the last outlet — stays protected.


For residential and some commercial applications, a Type 2 SPD is usually adequate coverage. But for industrial or renewable energy installations, the best all-round protection comes from mixing and matching Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 SPDs.


If your site is located in a lightning-prone region, combining an SPD system with a top-grade ESE lightning arrester from a reliable manufacturer like Axis India provides the complete protection you need against surges and direct strikes.


6. The role of ESE lightning arresters in surge protection

Even the best SPDs can't function properly if lightning energy isn't safely diverted from the structure. That's why ESE lightning arresters are crucial.


They capture lightning strikes before they hit sensitive areas and guide the discharge safely to the ground through a proper earthing system. When paired with SPDs, they create a comprehensive protection ecosystem — from rooftop to panel.


And when selecting one, always verify specifications, build quality, and ESE lightning arrester price offered by a reputed lightning arrester manufacturer like Axis India, known for durable and certified electrical protection components.


Conclusion

In power and renewable energy systems, protection isn't about one thing — it's the coordination of everything. Deploying the correct surge protection devices (SPDs) throughout — Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 — means your system stays protected adequately from voltage surges and lightning events.

Add that together with an ESE lightning arrester and quality ground components, and you've got a proven protection network to keep your facility up longer and safer, giving better performance.

Protect your power systems with Axis India.

At Axis Electrical Components (I) Pvt. Ltd., we design and manufacture high-quality surge protection devices, ESE lightning arresters, and earthing solutions that meet global standards. Our products are trusted by electrical consultants, contractors, and renewable energy developers worldwide.


Contact us today to find the right product for your project.

 

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