Choosing the right surge protection device (SPD) is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re safeguarding a data center, solar installation, or a smart factory floor, selecting the right SPD manufacturer directly impacts equipment reliability, safety, and system longevity.
Snippet-ready answer: A surge protection device (SPD) is an electrical component that shields systems and sensitive electronics from voltage spikes by safely diverting surge current to ground. It is widely used in industrial, residential, and renewable applications to prevent costly damage and downtime.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
What SPDs are and how they work
Which devices need protection
The top 10 SPD manufacturers in 2025
How to select the right type (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3)
Key performance parameters like Iimp, Imax, and coordination rules
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for when comparing SPD suppliers and which brands dominate the global SPD market share in 2025.
An SPD is an electrical protection component designed to suppress voltage transients. These surges can come from lightning strikes, power grid switching, faulty equipment, or motor startups. SPDs absorb or reroute the excess energy away from protected loads, usually through the grounding system.
SPDs are standardized by IEC 61643 and UL 1449. Depending on the surge scenario, you might need:
Type 1 SPD: For direct lightning current (e.g., main service panels with external lightning protection)
Type 2 SPD: For indirect lightning or grid surges (e.g., sub-distribution panels)
Type 3 SPD: For final, point-of-use protection (e.g., sensitive electronics)
The global surge protection device (SPD) market was valued at $3.65 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $5.55 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.4%. This expansion is driven by:
The rise of data centers, smart buildings, and EV infrastructure
Adoption of IEC 61643 and NEC 230.67 standards globally
A surge in sensitive electronics use in renewable energy and industrial automation
Greater awareness of voltage fluctuation risks in both developed and emerging markets
Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing region, led by China, India, and Southeast Asia. Demand is fueled by urbanization, smart grid investments, and manufacturing expansion.
North America & Europe: Growth driven by stricter regulatory compliance, surge mitigation retrofitting, and renewable integration.
| Year | Verified Market Research | Grand View Research |
| 2025 | 3.31 | 3.52 |
| 2026 | 3.52 | 3.76 |
| 2027 | 3.74 | 4.01 |
| 2028 | 3.97 | 4.28 |
| 2029 | 4.21 | 4.57 |
| 2030 | 4.45 | 4.86 |
SPDs detect overvoltage and instantly open a low-resistance path to divert surge current away from protected loads. This energy is sent to the ground, preventing insulation damage or circuit failure.
SPDs clamp the peak voltage to a predefined safe level. For example, a 230V system might limit transient peaks to under 1.5kV. MOVs, GDTs, and TVS diodes commonly perform this function.
Top-tier SPDs react in nanoseconds (typically <25 ns), making them suitable for high-speed digital systems and programmable controllers. This fast response is key to preventing internal component degradation.
Grounding systems must be low-impedance for surge energy to dissipate effectively. Additionally, SPDs must coordinate with upstream protection like fuses or MCBs, especially in installations with high Isc (>6kA).
Sensitive systems like PLCs, inverters, servers, and medical equipment are most vulnerable. SPDs prevent issues like:
PCB burnout
Logic faults
Unexpected resets or shutdowns
Industrial motors, control panels, relays, and HMIs are all at risk from surges, particularly in factories with frequent switching. Protect:
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
VFDs
Process control units
SCADA terminals
Voltage transients can corrupt data or damage communication lines. Use SPDs on:
Ethernet, CAT6/7 cables
Server racks
PoE injectors and routers
Smart lighting and building automation
SPDs are vital for:
DC surge protection on solar PV strings
AC surge protective devices on inverters and chargers
EV charging points
Wind turbines and hybrid battery banks
Pro tip: Always use both DC and AC SPDs for full system protection in solar/EV setups.
Headquarters: Wenzhou, China
Certifications: UL, CE, TUV, ISO9001, ISO14001
Focus Markets: Solar PV, LED lighting, data centers, residential & commercial power distribution
Britec Electric is a fast-growing China-based SPD manufacturer that has gained global attention for its highly competitive cost-to-performance ratio. The company specializes in developing Type 1, Type 2, and combined Type 1+2 SPDs, particularly for solar inverters, low-voltage AC panels, and industrial cabinets.
Key Product Features:
Thermally protected MOV technology
High surge discharge capacity (up to 100kA)
DIN-rail modular design for fast installation
AC/DC SPD solutions across the 12V–1000V range
Company Advantages:
Over 15 years of OEM/ODM experience
Exports to 80+ countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Southeast Asia
Flexible production and custom SPD module development
Quick lead time and local support for international partners
Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, France
Global Presence: 100+ countries
Certifications: UL 1449, IEC 61643, RoHS, REACH
A globally recognized energy management and automation leader, Schneider Electric offers a complete portfolio of AC power surge protection devices for residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Its Surgelogic™ and Acti 9 iPRD series are widely deployed across North America and Europe.
Strengths:
Real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance through the EcoStruxure™ platform
Integrated solutions for power distribution and building automation
Trusted brand in hospitals, telecom, industrial automation, and utilities
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
Certifications: IEC 61643-11, UL 1449, ISO 9001
Application Strength: Utilities, rail, infrastructure
ABB provides advanced industrial surge protection solutions as part of its wider electrification product line. The OVR T2 and OVR PV series are popular for utility-scale, smart grid, and railway electrification projects.
Key Benefits:
Surge discharge capacity up to 80kA per phase
Pluggable modules for easy maintenance
Remote signaling and thermal disconnector safety mechanisms
Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Standards: VDE, UL, IEC
Market: Residential, commercial, OEM control panels
Siemens delivers compact, modular SPDs under its SENTRON and 5SD7 series, optimized for smart home integration and industrial automation. The brand emphasizes system coordination, safety, and global standard compliance.
Highlights:
Seamless DIN-rail integration
Type 2 and Type 3 SPDs with 2-stage energy dissipation
Commonly used in HVAC systems, commercial buildings, and OEM solutions.
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Certifications: UL 1449, RoHS
Flagship Series: CHSP, SPD Max
Eaton is especially prominent in the North American residential and data infrastructure market, known for high-performance whole-house surge protectors and point-of-entry panels.
Features:
Robust thermal MOVs with overcurrent shutdown
Plug-on and hardwired options
Long lifecycle, ideal for smart homes, critical loads, and data closets
Headquarters: Blomberg, Germany
Key Series: VALVETRAB, PLUGTRAB, TERMITRAB
Sectors Served: Automation, renewable energy, machine tools
Phoenix Contact is known for precision-engineered modular SPDs for sensitive control systems. Their Type 1+2 SPD combinations support high energy dissipation while remaining compact.
Advantages:
Tool-free installation with push-in technology
Vibration-resistant for mechanical environments
Advanced diagnostics and LED indicators
Headquarters: Chicago, USA
Core Markets: Automotive, EV, Telecom
Technology: TVS diodes, MOVs, GDTs
Littelfuse stands out in semiconductor-based SPD development, offering ultra-fast response devices with low clamping voltage for sensitive applications like EV charging stations, base stations, and consumer electronics.
Why it’s trusted:
Strong R&D and IP in overvoltage protection
Automotive-grade SPD components
Compact, surface-mount designs for space-critical environments
Headquarters: Paris, France
Main Products: Surge-Trap STX, STP Series
Key Use Cases: Solar, battery storage, EV DC systems
Mersen specializes in DC surge protection devices and has grown rapidly in the renewable energy market. Their Surge-Trap range includes compact, fuse-integrated SPDs certified to the latest standards.
Benefits:
600V to 1500V DC protection range
Internal thermal disconnection and visual fault indicators
Preferred by solar EPCs and inverter manufacturers
Headquarters: Neumarkt, Germany
Product Range: DEHNguard, Blitzductor XT
Core Sectors: Critical infrastructure, rail, utility
DEHN is a global pioneer in lightning and surge protection, offering ultra-durable Type 1 SPDs capable of withstanding direct lightning currents. Often used in outdoor, remote, and high-risk lightning zones.
Distinctive traits:
Red/Line visual ID series
Designed for long-distance telecom and energy transmission
Deep compliance with IEC 62305 and IEC 61643-11
Headquarters: New York, USA
Specialties: Industrial surge panels, plug-in protection units
Core Users: Automation, HVAC, commercial infrastructure
MCG Surge Protection provides custom-engineered SPD panels designed for control cabinets, switchgear, and sensitive HVAC controllers. Though smaller in scale, they are known for technical support, field reliability, and UL-grade builds.
| Type | Use Case |
| Type 1 | Lightning-prone buildings with an LPS system |
| Type 2 | General use in distribution panels |
| Type 3 | Final protection at device level (e.g., PCs, routers) |
Use Type 1+2 combination SPD for compact panels with limited space.
Main service panel (Type 1)
Sub-distribution boards (Type 2)
Near sensitive devices (Type 3)
Solar combiner box (DC SPD)
EV charging station panel
Iimp (10/350 µs): Lightning surge capacity — Type 1 SPDs should handle ≥12.5kA
Imax (8/20 µs): High-energy switching surge capacity — look for ≥40kA
Match with expected surge levels based on the installation environment
Check short-circuit withstand rating.
Ensure backup protection (MCB or fuse) matches the SPD’s disconnect device requirements
Ensure Up (voltage protection level) is lower than equipment impulse withstand (e.g., <1.5kV for sensitive electronics)
Match response time (<25 ns for fast devices)
In 2025, the demand for certified, high-performance surge protection devices is surging—pun intended. With rising risks from lightning, grid instability, and the increasing sensitivity of modern electronics, it’s critical to invest in the right SPD solution from a reputable manufacturer.
Whether you’re sourcing for a renewable project, industrial system, or data center, always look for:
Certified SPD manufacturers
Right Type (1/2/3) for your setup
Proper discharge rating (Iimp, Imax)
Solid grounding and coordination
By following the insights in this guide, engineers and buyers can make confident, informed decisions. For OEMs and large projects, always verify the SPD supplier’s market reputation, compliance standards, and service support.
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
