In an increasingly electrified world, the reliability and longevity of sensitive electronic equipment are paramount. Surge protective devices (SPDs) play a critical role in safeguarding these assets from damaging transient overvoltages caused by lightning, utility switching, or internal electrical events. For procurement managers, selecting the right SPD is a crucial decision that impacts operational continuity, equipment lifespan, and overall system safety. This guide provides an overview of ten leading surge protective device s, focusing on their key products, application industries, primary markets in Europe and the USA, and service features, offering a concise yet comprehensive resource to inform your procurement strategy for optimal surge protection.
1. ABB
ABB, a global titan in power and automation technologies, presents a robust portfolio of surge protective devices engineered to protect vital electrical infrastructures. Procurement managers will find ABB’s OVR series particularly noteworthy, offering a comprehensive range of Type 1, Type 1+2, Type 2, and Type 3 SPDs. These cater to diverse power network applications, complemented by specialized solutions such as OVR PV for photovoltaic systems and OVR SL for delicate signal and data lines. Available in both DIN-rail and panel-mounted designs, these SPDs are adept at mitigating transient overvoltages, ensuring effective surge protection. ABB’s devices are integral across utilities, industrial automation (encompassing manufacturing and process industries), commercial buildings, data centers, renewable energy (solar, wind), transportation (rail), and telecommunications, with a strong presence in European home markets and North America. Key procurement advantages include ABB’s extensive global technical support, adherence to critical IEC, UL, and ANSI/IEEE certifications for their surge protective devices, a resilient global supply chain, and valuable product training and selection tools like e-Configure, facilitating reliable and compliant surge protection strategies.
2. Eaton
Eaton, a distinguished power management corporation, commands a significant presence in the surge protection arena, effectively serving procurement requirements in North America and Europe. Their comprehensive SPD catalogue features versatile solutions like the SPD Series, CVX/CLX Series, and XT Series for panel-mounted needs, the DIN-rail adaptable AEGIS series, and the widely adopted Tripp Lite series for plug-in surge protection. Eaton delivers a full spectrum of protection, from service entrance to point-of-use, utilizing technologies such as MOV and SAD within their surge protective devices. These SPDs are pivotal in commercial buildings, industrial facilities (including manufacturing, oil & gas, water/wastewater), healthcare, IT/data centers, telecommunications, and government/military installations. Procurement managers will find Eaton’s service offerings compelling, with thorough pre-sales and post-sales technical support, robust warranty programs, customization capabilities for bespoke project demands, and products meeting essential UL and IEC standards for surge protective devices. Their established channel partner programs provide localized expertise for their surge protection solutions across key US and European markets.
3. Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric, a global authority in energy management and automation, furnishes an extensive array of surge protection solutions indispensable for procurement managers across Europe and North America. Their portfolio includes the Surgelogic range (IMA, ILA, HWA series) for panelboards and switchboards, and Acti9 SPDs for DIN rail installations. Furthermore, via its ASCO Power Technologies brand, Schneider Electric provides high-performance SPDs such as the Model 175, 400, and 500 series, designed for critical power applications. These Type 1, 2, and 3 surge protective devices shield power, data, and telecom lines in diverse sectors like buildings (commercial, residential), data centers, industrial automation, critical infrastructure (water, transportation), healthcare, and renewable energy (solar, EV charging). Procurement professionals highly value Schneider Electric’s global support infrastructure, unwavering adherence to international (IEC, UL) standards for surge protective devices, and the seamless integration of SPDs within their IoT-enabled EcoStruxure architecture, which facilitates advanced system monitoring and control. Their commitment to sustainability and comprehensive training initiatives further solidifies their position as a preferred provider of surge protection in European and North American markets.
4. Siemens
Siemens, a global technology leader, delivers an expansive range of surge protective devices essential for low-voltage power distribution systems, boasting a formidable market presence in Europe (particularly Germany) and North America. For procurement managers, standout product lines include TPS, FSPD, and BoltShield SPDs, engineered for straightforward integration into panelboards and switchgear, offering critical surge protection. Siemens supplies Type 1, 2, and 3 SPDs tailored for industrial manufacturing, commercial buildings, infrastructure developments, data centers, healthcare facilities, and renewable energy systems. Their service proposition is robust, highlighted by comprehensive technical documentation through Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS), products certified to UL and IEC standards for surge protective devices, and digital tools like the TIA Selection Tool that streamline planning and selection processes. Siemens is recognized for its integrated solutions and extended product lifecycles with dependable spare parts availability for their surge protection systems, a crucial benefit for industrial procurement, further supported by their extensive SITRAIN technical training programs.
5. Littelfuse
Littelfuse, a renowned specialist in circuit protection technologies, provides a diverse and dependable portfolio of surge protective devices, maintaining a strong market standing in North America and an expanding footprint in Europe. Procurement managers will find their SPD2 series for panel-mount configurations and various DIN rail mount SPDs exceptionally relevant. A significant area of their expertise lies in the LSP series for LED lighting surge protection, fulfilling a critical requirement in commercial and outdoor settings. Littelfuse offers Type 1, 2, and 3 surge protection for both AC/DC power and vulnerable data lines. Their SPDs are fundamental components in electronics manufacturing, automotive systems, industrial equipment, telecommunications, HVAC systems, and the burgeoning LED lighting industry. Key service advantages for procurement include Littelfuse’s profound technical expertise in circuit protection, translating to robust application support for their surge protective devices, the agility to develop custom SPD solutions for OEM needs, products that meet stringent UL and IEC certifications, and a resilient global distribution network ensuring consistent availability of their surge protection components.
6. Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact stands as a premier of electrical engineering and automation solutions, with a commanding market presence in Europe (Germany) and a rapidly growing operation in North America. Their TRABTECH brand is synonymous with a comprehensive suite of surge protective devices indispensable for demanding industrial applications. Procurement managers should particularly note their SPDs designed for power supplies (e.g., VALVETRAB, PLUGTRAB), MCR technology and signals (e.g., TERMITRAB, SURGETRAB), IT networks, and photovoltaic systems, all providing Type 1, 2, and 3 surge protection. These solutions are extensively deployed in industrial automation (control cabinets, process industries), renewable energy (solar, wind), building technology, telecommunications, and machine building. Phoenix Contact distinguishes itself through outstanding technical support and application consulting for surge protective devices, high-quality innovative products, holistic system solutions that integrate SPDs with other control cabinet components, adherence to IEC and UL standards, and the provision of customized solutions to address unique project requirements for surge protection in their core European and US markets.
7. DEHN
DEHN, a highly specialized German , is globally acclaimed for its profound expertise in lightning and surge protection, holding a dominant market position in Europe and steadily expanding its presence in North America. For procurement managers prioritizing high-reliability solutions, DEHN offers an exhaustive portfolio, including the DEHNguard (Type 2), DEHNbloc (Type 1), DEHNshield (Type 1+2 combined arrester), and BLITZDUCTOR (for signal/data lines) series of surge protective devices. Their product lines are often distinguished as Red/Line (power) and Yellow/Line (data/signal). DEHN’s SPDs are indispensable in critical sectors such as wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, the process industry (oil & gas, chemical), telecommunications, transportation (rail), and building infrastructure. Procurement professionals are drawn to DEHN’s deep specialized knowledge, which includes risk assessment and consulting for surge protection, the capability to engineer bespoke protection concepts, state-of-the-art in-house testing laboratories ensuring compliance with rigorous IEC, EN, and UL standards for their surge protective devices, and specialized training seminars for industry experts in Europe and the USA.
8. Raycap
Raycap is an acclaimed technology leader in industrial surge protection, with substantial operations in both Europe and North America, recognized for its cutting-edge solutions. Procurement managers should particularly consider their unique Strikesorb® technology, which delivers maintenance-free, highly robust MOV-based surge protection within their surge protective devices. Raycap’s product lines, including the ProTec series for panel and DIN rail mounting, provide comprehensive AC and DC power, as well as signal and data line surge protection. They maintain a strong focus on industries such as telecommunications (notably 5G infrastructure and small cells), renewable energy (wind and solar), industrial automation, transportation (railways, traffic systems), and defense. Raycap’s value proposition for procurement includes significant capabilities in designing custom-engineered surge protection solutions, dedicated application engineering support for their SPDs, products certified to global standards (UL, IEC, and Telcordia for telecom applications), and a strong commitment to research and development, ensuring their surge protective device solutions address the evolving protection demands of their key European and US clientele.
9. Mersen
Mersen, a global authority in electrical power and advanced materials, offers a dependable line of Surge-Trap® surge protective devices, which are of high interest to procurement managers in Europe and North America. A distinguishing feature of Mersen’s SPDs is their patented TPMOV® (Thermally Protected MOV) technology, which significantly enhances safety and reliability in surge protection applications. Their portfolio encompasses Type 1, 2, and 3 SPDs in panel-mount, DIN rail, and pluggable designs, suitable for both AC/DC power and signal line surge protection. Mersen caters to a wide spectrum of industrial markets, including energy (generation, distribution, storage), electronics, transportation (rail, EV), chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, and various process industries. Procurement professionals benefit from Mersen’s in-depth application expertise in electrical power systems, products that comply with global standards such as IEC, UL, and CSA for surge protective devices, a reliable global manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, and the availability of customized solutions to meet specific industrial surge protection needs across their primary markets.
10. Leviton
Leviton is a household name in electrical wiring devices, providing a broad selection of surge protection solutions, primarily targeting the North American market while steadily growing its European presence. For procurement managers, Leviton offers a variety of SPDs, including panel-mounted units (e.g., 51120 series, 42000 series), plug-in protectors, and whole-house surge protectors, all engineered to defend sensitive electronics and electrical systems. Their surge protective devices are extensively utilized in commercial buildings (offices, retail, hospitality), industrial facilities, healthcare institutions, educational establishments, data centers, and residential properties. Key advantages for procurement in their main US market include a wide-ranging product portfolio that allows for consolidated purchasing, an extensive distribution network ensuring ready availability of their surge protection devices, responsive customer and technical support services, and valuable educational resources for installers and specifiers. Leviton’s products consistently meet relevant UL and other North American standards, with an increasing number of IEC-compliant devices for global markets, guaranteeing dependable surge protection.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Surge Protection Needs
Selecting the optimal surge protective device (SPD) is a strategic decision that extends beyond mere component sourcing. It involves partnering with a provider that not only offers technically superior and compliant products but also delivers robust support, understands your specific application challenges, and can ensure supply chain reliability. The ten s highlighted in this guide represent a significant portion of the global leadership in surge protection, each with unique strengths and market focuses.
For procurement managers, the key is to align a ’s offerings—their product range, technological innovations, industry expertise, market presence in your operational regions (Europe and the USA), and service capabilities—with your organization’s specific requirements. Consider factors such as the criticality of the equipment to be protected, the electrical environment, compliance mandates, long-term reliability expectations, and total cost of ownership. Engaging with potential , requesting detailed technical specifications, and evaluating their support infrastructure are crucial next steps. By conducting thorough due diligence, you can confidently select a surge protection partner that will contribute to the safety, efficiency, and resilience of your electrical systems for years to come.