Surge Protection Needed Per 2023 NEC Update

Surge protection now mandatory for fire alarm systems

Fire alarms are an essential safety feature in any building, alerting occupants to the presence of smoke or fire. But an alarm system can only protect your customer if it's working properly.

Power fluctuations — often undetected — can damage fire alarm components, rendering them useless when you need them the most. That's why the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) now mandates listed surge-protective devices (SPDs) for fire alarm systems to ensure they remain operational.

Why surge protection matters for fire alarm systems

Electrical surges happen more often than many people realize. Whether caused by lightning strikes, utility grid fluctuations or internal electrical issues, these surges can severely damage your customer's fire alarm control panel. A damaged system might not activate in an emergency, putting lives and property at risk. Installing an SPD at the power source of your customer's fire alarm system helps prevent this damage, ensuring that the alarm functions when it matters most.

What the 2023 NEC says

To enhance fire safety, 2023 NEC Article 760.33 now requires that all fire alarm control panels include a listed surge-protective device (SPD) on the supply side. This means surge protection must be installed at the power source, shielding the alarm system from electrical damage.

This update is critical because it:

• Protects fire alarm systems from power surges
• Reduces the risk of fire alarms failing
• Helps ensure compliance with modern electrical safety standards

Protection solutions

DITEK's Deflector Series surge protectors are uniquely designed to protect AC power circuits and attached equipment, alert you when protection has been compromised and make it easy to reinstate all protection with rapid-replacement modules. This includes:

DTK-120X12

• 120VAC power and low voltage surge protection
• Protects system power and up to 12 pairs of SLC, IDC/PIV, NAC, network, or dialer circuits
• Replaceable surge protection module and a six-position mounting base
• Audible alarm for notification with a silence switch
• UL 1449 Listed Type 2 SPD

Additional models in the Deflector Series include the DTK-DF120S1 and DTK-DF240S1.

The HW Series provides compact, flexible power protection that's easily installed in a variety of locations. This includes:

DTK-120HWLOK

• Protects 120VAC equipment panels and dedicated store circuit
• Lockout kit prevents accidental disconnect of the fire alarm system
• Approved for 20A circuit breakers
• SCCR rating of 10kA complies with NEC Article 242
• NEMA 4X weatherproof enclosure to protect the device in harsh environments
• UL 1449 listed Type 1 SPD
• Diagnostic LED for easy visual indication of surge protection

Additional models in the series include the DTK-120HW and DTK-240HW.

The cost of an unprotected fire alarm system

Is your customer's fire alarm system up to code?

If your customer's fire alarm system does not yet have a surge protection device installed at the power source, it may not be compliant with the 2023 NEC standards. ADI offers a comprehensive selection of products to support this compliance. For comprehensive protection, fire alarm system surge protection kits provide bundled components to safeguard your entire system. To protect your customers' systems from electrical surges, check out our selection of surge protection modules. Additionally, power strips and surge protectors offer essential protection for electrical installations. Integrating these solutions ensures your fire alarm system meets the latest NEC requirements and performs reliably.

If you have not already done so, we recommend consulting with a qualified electrician to investing in education or training on correct SPD installation. This supports you and your team with confidence and knowledge to improve accuracy and compliance.