Connecting power surge arrestor & circuit breaker

A great question!

When connecting a power surge arrestor (PSA) to a circuit breaker, it's essential to ensure a safe and proper installation to protect your electrical system and equipment from power surges and spikes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you connect them correctly:

Before you start:

  1. Check the specifications: Verify that the PSA and circuit breaker are compatible with each other and with your electrical system.
  2. Turn off the power: Switch off the main power supply to the circuit at the electrical panel or breaker box.

Connecting the PSA to the circuit breaker:

  1. Identify the correct connections: The PSA typically has two main connections: a "line" or "input" side and a "load" or "output" side. The line side connects to the circuit breaker, while the load side connects to the protected equipment.
  2. Connect the line side: Attach the line side of the PSA to the circuit breaker's output terminals (usually marked "L1," "L2," and "L3" or "hot" and "neutral"). Make sure the connections are secure and not loose.
  3. Connect the load side: Attach the load side of the PSA to the protected equipment's power cord or wiring. Ensure the connections are secure and not loose.
  4. Verify the polarity: Double-check that the connections are made correctly, with the positive (hot) wire connected to the positive terminal and the negative (neutral) wire connected to the negative terminal.
  5. Secure the connections: Use wire nuts, connectors, or terminal blocks to secure the connections. Make sure they are not loose or damaged.

Additional considerations:

  1. Grounding: Ensure that the PSA is properly grounded to prevent electrical shock. Connect the grounding terminal of the PSA to the grounding bus in the electrical panel or breaker box.
  2. Overcurrent protection: The circuit breaker should still provide overcurrent protection for the protected equipment. The PSA will only protect against power surges and spikes, not overcurrent conditions.
  3. Monitoring and testing: Regularly monitor the PSA's performance and test it periodically to ensure it is functioning correctly.

By following these steps and considering the additional factors, you can safely connect a power surge arrestor to a circuit breaker and protect your electrical system and equipment from power surges and spikes.