Review on Ultimate Protection for Home Electronics: Square D by Schneider Electric HEPD80 by Mark Kolipano

Formerly "Made in USA" but no longer. The device I received and transcribed with a manufacture date of 1602 (2nd week of the year 2016) is marked "Made in Mexico". I deduct points for that. . . With a very high 80kA rating, the HEPD80 is 2 to 3 times better than plug-in circuit breakers, which are easier to install (but it is recommended to place these protectors close to the ground bus). For me, my central air conditioner occupied the first 3 switch positions (wire #10 and #12) which could not be moved because there was not enough slack in the wire. This device, HEPD80, has no location requirements. except that the length of the wire should be as short as possible and the wire should not be twisted or bent. Placement flexibility and higher surge capability (but higher cost and longer initial installation time) seem to be the best solution. HEPD80 connects to a recommended 2 pole switch, 20A (2 poles to cover both power wires) - - I used a new switch but I think a youtube installer just added an existing switch (each wire clamp can do 2 holding wires). Coincidentally, I have a Square D Home panel - the panel says it's a 'Homeline' model. (compared to the more expensive "QO" model) -- Bought a switch from Home Depot that has switches for both lines (HD also sells GE, Siemens, etc.). The product description on this page shows a drawing of the panel - 2 black wires to TWO adjacent single pole switches (but a double pole switch can be used - 2 spaces), a green wire to the ground rail and a white wire to the neutral bar (some panels have a ground and a neutral on a hoop). 2 1 pole or 1 2 pole switches to protect the 2 120v and 240v power cables. The drawing shows the switches immediately after the main switch - the drawing does NOT show the instructions provided, and the instructions say too easy to install the unit in an accessible recess and have no location restrictions. If you install by yourself, make sure that the main switch in the switchboard is turned off. Note, however, that the power cords are ALWAYS live BEFORE the main switch. Wires and contacts AFTER the main switch are disconnected when the main switch is turned off. So the panel is still hot when the main switch is off, so touching the power wires can kill you. cents in material and saves a few lives - a careless electrician or novice handyman (I think that's too much to reduce the risk and it's human fault if they get killed).