[RE-wrenches] Surge protector update - UL1449 3rd edition

[Kurt Albershardt]

FYI - I spoke with someone at Delta earlier this week about a service 
entrance application and was advised that mandatory adoption of UL 1449 
3rd edition happens in October.  She says that there is language in that 
standard which (when combined with the 2008 NEC language) makes it 
nearly impossible to install a 'UL Recognized' device like an SOV at the 
point where it does the most good (in front of the service disconnect) 
and pass inspection.  Delta offers an MOV-based design now which is 
listed (as opposed to recognized) but (like all MOVs) it will 
progressively degrade with time and surge activity.  Something to do 
with the 1449 revision specifying that a SPD must destroy itself at a 
certain level of energy, which the SOVs do not do (isn't this why we use 
them?)  Seems the route to using the SOV here is to install the MOV 
version and then swap out for the SOV after inspection.  I hate this 
kind of game.