Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Marc Edwards
This whole house surge protector from Eaton needs no introduction. Ever since acquiring Cutler-Hammer in 2012, Eaton has continued to gain top honors and has risen in popularity when it comes to surge protection devices.
Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA, a widely popular whole house surge protection model from the same manufacturer, is no exception.
When it comes to getting a surge protector for the whole house, it is very important to first consider the household appliances that you need to protect from damaging power spikes and surge transients. If you already have surge protection strips (Type 3 SPD) at home, you are almost there in giving your whole house 100% protection from power surges.
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Already at its 3rd edition, this surge suppressor device continues to bring on new levels of performance, top-notch features, and reliability as it evolves. Be sure to read the full review of this whole house surge suppressor before buying one.
Maximum Surge Current Capacity (MSCC)
The standard requirement for whole-house surge protection to work efficiently is to have at least 30kA (30,000 Amps). Most surge suppressors in the market are 30kA which are well within the IEEE’s recommended capacity ranges.
Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA far exceeded that MSCC requirement and it comes with a whopping 108kA. With surge capacity, this device could probably block a couple more surges than those sold in the marketplace.
Modes of Protection
Be on the lookout when it comes to surge protection devices, modes of protection vary among various brands. To have comprehensive modes of protection, all good quality surge protectors should possess all of the below and so does Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA.
L-N (Line to Neutral)
L-G (Line to Ground)
L-L (Line to Line)
N-G (Neutral to Ground)
Square D HEPD80, a model from Schneider Electric, also comes with all of the above modes of protection.
Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR)
CHSPT2ULTRA comes with a 22kA SCCR which is decently good because of the fact that the currents emitted from short circuits will never be as high as those from power spikes. Hence having a 22kA is already well above many brands in the industry.
Clamping Voltage (also known as Voltage Protective Rating)
Clamping voltage is the number of surge voltages that are let through a surge protection device after a power surge has been blocked. Hence, looking at Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA’s VPR compared to those commonly found at malls, it is pretty obvious that Eaton is better able to handle power surges than other brands.
L-N: 600V
L-G: 600V
L-L: 1000V
N-G: 800V
NEMA Enclosure Type 4
As you may already know, NEMA enclosure Type 4 are among the best standard rating for electrical enclosures. These type 4 enclosures are able to keep dirt, water and other stuff out, making it the best candidate for use indoor and outdoor.
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Who Should Buy It?
Homeowners who need a surge protection device that is capable of protecting the entire house without spending a bomb should definitely take a closer look at this product.
In fact, they should be buying both CHSPT2ULTRA (Type 2) and Type 3 surge protection devices which are surge protection strips that protect connected electrical appliances.
This combo will provide your entire house with comprehensive 2-tiered surge protection.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It?
Homeowners who do not need surge protection for the whole house need not buy this. If you do not stay near lightning-prone areas or do not experience frequent transient surges, getting electrical surge protection devices should suffice.
Type 2 surge protectors will require people with some electrical knowledge in order to be able to hardwire the surge suppression device into their breaker panel. If you are thinking of getting one to try out, always hire a certified electrician if you are unable to do so yourself.
Is the Price of Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA Reasonable?
The price varies depending on where you get it from. But if you were to compare it to other similar products in the market in terms of features and performances, you are definitely getting the best deal. I highly recommend it.
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Our Review and Rating of Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA
EATON CHSPT2ULTRA Ultimate Surge Protection 3rd Edition
- Universally connects to any manufacturer’s load center (breaker box)
- Easy to use
- High quality product
Existing Buyers Review
Some buyers do mention wires not long enough for top and bottom installation but in our opinion, Eaton does it on purpose. People with electrical knowledge will know that long wires will introduce resistance. This will cause the voltage to increase beyond certain amperage hence the device will not be as effective.
Minor Flaws – What to Expect
Some buyers complained about having to buy additional add-on modules which add to the overall cost. But we have to bear in mind that having separate modules could also mean that they are easily replaceable and owners need not buy a brand new device because of it.
A few buyers mentioned poor customer service which can be subjective depending on where in the world you are calling from. We tried contacting their customer support and we did not encounter any challenges.
Another minor issue is that it is NOT recommended for homeowners to DIY the installation. A trained electrician is always the best way to hardwire this device into your main breaker panel.
Check out Why This Whole House Surge Protector Have Such Raving Reviews in Amazon
Part Number: CHSPT2ULTRA
Height: 7.5 inches
Item Weight: 1.0 pounds
Length: 2.38 inches
Material: plastic
Model Number: CHSPT2ULTRA
Number of Items: 1
Specification Met: NEMA
Voltage: 240.0 volts
Width: 5.25 inches
What Else to Know?
Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA is a Type 2 surge protector device which means it will protect up to 80% of all incoming power surges. In order to get comprehensive and all-rounded surge protection, it is always recommended to get a Type 3 surge protection device for all your plug-in electrical appliances and devices like laptops, mobile phones, TV and printers etc.
Bottom Line – Should You Get It?
– Where to get Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA