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Quick Answer: Which SPD Manufacturers Should Buyers Evaluate?
A practical shortlist of surge protective device (SPD) manufacturers for industrial, commercial, solar, and panel-building projects includes Schneider Electric/ASCO, ABB, Siemens, Phoenix Contact, DEHN, OBO Bettermann, CITEL, Eaton, Legrand, and VIOX Electric.
This is an editorial shortlist, not a market-share table, revenue ranking, laboratory test, or consumer power-strip review. The order is not a claim that one company is universally better than another. Use the comparison to identify suppliers whose public portfolios appear relevant, then verify the exact model, documentation, regional availability, and project requirements before specification or purchase.
Review basis: official manufacturer product pages and catalogs checked in September 2026. Portfolio coverage is summarized at brand level and may vary by country, series, and model. Because manufacturers publish different types of evidence, this article does not assign a numerical score.
| Manufacturer | Manufacturer type | Public portfolio coverage | Main regions | Practical sourcing scenario | Documents to verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schneider Electric / ASCO | Global electrical group / critical-power brand | AC, facility, selected signal/data products | Global; strong North American catalog depth | Commercial buildings, data centers, industrial distribution | Current series status, UL/IEC file, voltage/configuration, installation instructions |
| ABB | Global electrical manufacturer | AC, PV/DC, data-line options by region | Global | IEC distribution boards and multi-product electrical packages | Regional catalog, declaration/certificate, datasheet, backup protection |
| Siemens | Global electrical manufacturer | Mainly AC power-distribution SPDs; confirm other applications locally | Global; strong European distribution context | SENTRON-based panels and specified building infrastructure | Regional product status, type/class, system configuration, coordination data |
| Phoenix Contact | Industrial connectivity and automation specialist | AC, PV/DC, signal, data | Global | Control cabinets, automation, PV and mixed power/signal protection | Interface data, bandwidth, Uc/Ucpv, type/class, status-contact details |
| DEHN | Lightning and surge protection specialist | AC, PV/DC, signal/data | Global; strong European engineering context | Lightning protection zones, exposed sites, infrastructure and renewables | Iimp/test class, LPS coordination, system arrangement, installation guide |
| OBO Bettermann | Building-installation systems manufacturer | AC, lightning-current and selected data-line protection | Global; strong European contractor channel | Building services and integrated electrical infrastructure | Catalog model status, type/class, LPZ application, wiring instructions |
| CITEL | Surge protection specialist | AC, PV/DC, telecom, data, coaxial | Global through regional subsidiaries/distributors | OEM, solar, telecom and application-specific protection | Exact standard part, product certificate, cartridge availability, installation sheet |
| Eaton | Global power-management manufacturer | AC facility/panel SPDs plus point-of-use lines | Global; especially relevant in North America | Panelboards, switchboards, commercial and industrial facilities | UL listing/certification status, SCCR, voltage/configuration, mounting instructions |
| Legrand | Global building-electrical manufacturer | AC modular and selected communication-line products; verify PV locally | Global; catalog varies by country | Residential/commercial distribution and contractor channels | Regional catalog, EN/IEC document, wiring system, integrated backup protection |
| VIOX Electric | Low-voltage component manufacturer and B2B supplier | Published AC and PV/DC product families | Export-oriented | OEM buyers, distributors and panel builders seeking consolidated sourcing | Model datasheet, applicable test/certificate file, labeling, MOQ and traceability |
What Counts as a Real SPD Manufacturer?
In industrial electrical procurement, an SPD manufacturer is not simply a company selling plug-in power strips. For this shortlist, a supplier needed an identifiable official range relevant to at least one professional application: low-voltage distribution, control panels, photovoltaic systems, industrial equipment, or signal and communication lines.
Start by separating three product contexts:
| Product context | Typical product | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer surge protector | Power strip, outlet strip, desktop electronics protection | Retail product comparison |
| Building or panel SPD | DIN rail SPD, panel-mounted SPD, Type 1/2/3 AC SPD | Electrical contractor, distributor, panel builder |
| Industrial and PV SPD | Type 1+2 SPD, DC SPD, PV SPD, signal SPD, remote monitoring | EPC, OEM, utility, industrial maintenance |
This article focuses on the second and third categories. If your project involves DIN rail SPDs, AC distribution boards, PV combiner boxes, industrial control cabinets, or inverter protection, the manufacturer should be evaluated by technical documentation rather than marketing claims.
How We Compared SPD Manufacturers
The most suitable SPD manufacturer for a distributor is not always the most suitable one for a data center, solar EPC, or OEM panel builder. This comparison uses practical sourcing criteria rather than estimated company size or popularity.
Inclusion method: each company had to show an official SPD product page or catalog, publish enough information to identify at least one professional application, and provide a plausible purchasing route or regional channel. We reviewed portfolio breadth, documentation access, application fit, and sourcing support. We did not independently test products, audit factories, or verify every certificate and model.
| Evaluation factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| AC SPD range | Shows capability for low-voltage distribution boards, main panels, sub-panels, and industrial control systems |
| DC and PV SPD range | Important for solar, battery, EV charging, telecom, and direct-current applications |
| Type 1 / Type 2 / Type 1+2 options | Determines whether the supplier can support layered protection, not just one device type |
| Standards documentation | Buyers should verify IEC 61643-11, IEC 61643-31, UL 1449, or local requirements for the destination region |
| Technical datasheets | Uc/MCOV, Ucpv, In, Imax, Iimp, Up, SCCR/Iscpv, pole configuration, backup protection |
| Monitoring and status indication | Visual windows, remote contacts, pluggable cartridges, and monitoring options reduce maintenance risk |
| OEM and distributor support | Labeling, packaging, MOQ, lead time, language documentation, and project support matter for B2B sourcing |
| Application depth | PV, industrial, building, telecom, data center, and signal-line protection have different requirements |
Publisher disclosure: VIOX publishes this article and is included as one sourcing option. Its inclusion is disclosed so readers can judge the commercial context. The list is not an independent certification, endorsement, or substitute for project engineering review.
One Technical Filter Buyers Should Not Skip
This is still a manufacturer comparison page, not a surge protection textbook. But one technical filter is worth checking before any brand is shortlisted: does the manufacturer clearly distinguish Type 1 lightning-current protection from Type 2 surge protection?
For Type 1 SPDs, buyers should look for lightning-current test information such as the 10/350 microsecond waveform, commonly associated with direct or partial lightning current capability. For Type 2 SPDs, buyers should review 8/20 microsecond discharge-current ratings, commonly used for induced surge and distribution-level protection. If a datasheet lists Iimp, In, and Imax without explaining the waveform or test context, the buyer should ask for clearer documentation before approving the model.
For PV DC SPDs, also confirm the DC disconnection method. Direct current has no natural zero crossing, so a PV SPD must handle end-of-life disconnection without sustaining a dangerous DC arc. This is why Ucpv, backup protection instructions, mechanical/thermal disconnection, and IEC 61643-31-related documentation matter in solar applications.
Top 10 Surge Protective Device Manufacturers and Suppliers
1. Schneider Electric / ASCO
Schneider Electric combines surge protection with a broad low-voltage distribution, building infrastructure, and critical-power portfolio. For SPD buyers, the practical advantage is the surrounding ecosystem: panelboards, switchboards, power management, data center electrical architecture, and building electrical distribution.
ASCO, now part of Schneider Electric, is also associated with critical power systems and surge protection for demanding commercial and industrial environments. This makes Schneider/ASCO a strong option for projects where the SPD must fit a broader electrical infrastructure package.
Best for: commercial buildings, critical facilities, data centers, industrial distribution, specification-driven projects.
For procurement, verify the exact SPD family, UL/IEC documentation, panel compatibility, lead time, project support, and whether the selected device is AC, DC, or application-specific.
Official source checked September 2026: Schneider Electric’s SPD quick-reference guide. Check the current product page because the guide itself notes that some referenced products may be obsolete.
2. ABB
ABB is a major electrical manufacturer with a wide low-voltage product portfolio. For surge protection buyers, ABB is especially relevant when the SPD is part of an IEC-style distribution board, low-voltage switchgear project, or industrial electrical package.
ABB’s strength is system-level compatibility. Buyers often consider ABB when they want SPDs, circuit breakers, switchgear, and distribution components from a familiar global supplier.
Best for: IEC distribution systems, industrial panels, global commercial projects, buyers who prefer established electrical brands.
The main buying check is regional catalog availability. ABB’s global range is broad, but the exact SPD series, Type 1/Type 2/Type 1+2 coverage, and AC/DC availability can vary by country.
Official source checked September 2026: ABB’s surge protective device portfolio, which separates UL and IEC offerings and includes power and data applications.
3. Siemens
Siemens is widely used in commercial buildings, industrial electrical systems, automation projects, and European-style low-voltage distribution. Its SPD products are commonly evaluated within the broader SENTRON and electrical infrastructure ecosystem.
Siemens is a strong choice when buyers want surge protection aligned with a broader building or industrial power distribution architecture.
Best for: commercial distribution, European electrical projects, industrial facilities, standardized panel specifications.
Before specifying Siemens, buyers should confirm product family availability in the target country, documentation language, Type 1/2/3 classification, and coordination with upstream protection.
Official source checked September 2026: Siemens’ SENTRON low-voltage protection catalog. Confirm that any referenced 5SD7 model remains orderable in the destination country.
4. Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact is especially strong in control cabinet, automation, signal, data, power supply, and photovoltaic surge protection. Its portfolio is useful for buyers who need more than one SPD category, such as power SPDs plus signal-line SPDs inside an industrial control system.
Phoenix Contact also presents protection by interface and application rather than treating every SPD as interchangeable. That is useful in automation and control cabinets, where power, measurement, communication, and sensor lines may each need a compatible protective device.
Best for: automation panels, signal protection, data line protection, PV systems, control cabinet builders.
For buyers, the first decision is whether the project needs power SPD, signal SPD, data SPD, PV SPD, or a combination of these. Terminal connection style, module width, and monitoring options should be checked after the protection concept is clear.
Official source checked September 2026: Phoenix Contact’s official product catalog, including dedicated surge-protection families for power supplies, PV systems, measurement/control signals, and data interfaces.
5. DEHN
DEHN is a specialist in lightning and surge protection. It is often considered for projects where surge protection must be coordinated with external lightning protection, grounding, equipotential bonding, and an IEC 62305-based lightning protection concept. Its published range includes Type 1, Type 2, combined arresters, and application-specific products.
For high-exposure buildings, industrial sites, telecom infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and utility installations, DEHN’s specialist positioning makes it a frequent reference point.
Best for: high lightning exposure, buildings with lightning protection systems, infrastructure, industrial and renewable energy projects.
The main point to verify is not only the SPD model, but also the protection concept: LPS coordination, Type 1 or Type 1+2 requirement, project risk assessment, country-specific availability, and documentation package.
Official source checked September 2026: DEHN’s Red/Line surge protection portfolio for power-supply systems, with links to current product filters and selection guides.
6. OBO Bettermann
OBO Bettermann is a strong European electrical infrastructure supplier with a broad product range in cable management, building installation systems, lightning protection, and surge protection. For many contractors and building electrical projects, the value is in a complete installation ecosystem.
OBO is particularly relevant where SPDs are part of building electrical infrastructure, cable routing, grounding, and lightning protection design.
Best for: building services, commercial electrical installation, infrastructure, contractors sourcing multiple installation products.
OBO is particularly relevant when the buyer is planning building infrastructure rather than purchasing a single DIN-rail module. Confirm SPD category, building installation compatibility, enclosure environment, and documentation for the destination region.
Official source checked September 2026: OBO Bettermann’s surge protection catalog, covering lightning-current, distribution-level, terminal-device, and selected data-line protection.
7. CITEL
CITEL is a specialist surge protection manufacturer with a long focus on SPD technology. Buyers often consider CITEL when they need AC SPDs, DC SPDs, PV SPDs, telecom protection, and application-specific surge protection rather than a general low-voltage catalog.
Specialist SPD manufacturers can be attractive for OEMs and panel builders because their documentation and product segmentation are often built around surge protection applications.
Best for: OEM panels, PV surge protection, telecom, industrial systems, buyers who want a specialist SPD supplier.
For CITEL, buyers should check local distribution, replacement cartridge availability, Type 1+2 and PV DC range, signal-line products, and certification documents.
Official source checked September 2026: CITEL’s official surge protection catalog, which separates AC power, photovoltaic, telecom, data-line, coaxial, LED, and wind applications.
8. Eaton
Eaton is a major power management company with strong relevance in North America, commercial buildings, data centers, UPS systems, power distribution, and industrial electrical protection. Its catalog also includes Tripp Lite point-of-use products, so buyers should distinguish facility or panel SPDs from outlet-strip products.
For industrial and commercial SPD procurement, buyers should focus on Eaton’s panel, facility, and power distribution SPD offering rather than consumer outlet-strip products.
Best for: North American commercial projects, data centers, IT power infrastructure, UPS-adjacent power protection, industrial facilities.
With Eaton, it is important to separate panel/facility SPDs from consumer surge strips or IT accessories. For commercial projects, confirm UL 1449 documentation and panel installation requirements where relevant.
Official source checked September 2026: Eaton’s facility and panel SPD portfolio, including integrated and externally mounted product families.
9. Legrand
Legrand is a global electrical and building infrastructure brand with strong presence in residential, commercial, and modular electrical distribution. Its surge protection products often fit projects where SPDs are part of a complete building electrical system rather than a standalone industrial package.
Legrand can be a practical choice for distributors and contractors who already source modular devices, consumer units, distribution boards, wiring devices, and building electrical products from the same brand family.
Best for: residential and commercial distribution, building electrical systems, modular protection products, contractor channels.
Legrand is most practical when SPDs are part of a broader building electrical package. Regional catalog differences, Type 1/Type 2 coverage, AC voltage system, and PV DC availability should be checked before specification.
Official source checked September 2026: Legrand’s international surge protection catalog, with model-level technical sheets and documentation links.
10. VIOX Electric
VIOX Electric is a China-based low-voltage component manufacturer and the publisher of this article. It is included as a sourcing candidate for buyers comparing DIN-rail AC and PV/DC product families alongside other low-voltage protection components; its presence in this list should not be read as an independent endorsement.
Buyers can evaluate VIOX for distributor, OEM, and panel-building requirements where product-range consolidation, labeling, packaging, and direct supplier communication are part of the purchasing decision. Commercial terms and technical evidence should be confirmed for the exact model.
Best for: OEM buyers, distributors, panel builders, solar-related protection projects, and consolidated low-voltage sourcing.
For any VIOX project, verify destination-region documentation, exact model datasheets, voltage class, Type 1+2 or Type 2 requirement, packaging, labeling, MOQ, lead time, and local approval requirements.
Official source checked September 2026: the VIOX SPD product range, which lists published AC and photovoltaic product families. Blank or unavailable specifications must be confirmed before approval.
Best SPD Manufacturer by Application
Not every SPD supplier publishes the same depth of products in every category. A buyer sourcing SPDs for solar PV should not use the same shortlist as a buyer sourcing signal-line SPDs for automation cabinets. The names below are starting points based on publicly visible portfolio coverage, not guaranteed recommendations for a specific project.
| Application | Manufacturers to investigate first | Key selection factors |
|---|---|---|
| Main AC distribution board | Schneider Electric, ABB, Siemens, Eaton, Legrand | Type 1/2/1+2, Uc/MCOV, Iimp, In, Imax, Up, backup protection |
| Industrial control cabinet | Phoenix Contact, ABB, Siemens, CITEL, VIOX | DIN rail format, remote indication, signal protection, panel space |
| Solar PV DC side | DEHN, Phoenix Contact, CITEL, ABB, VIOX | Ucpv, IEC 61643-31, Type 2 vs Type 1+2, DC disconnection behavior |
| Building lightning protection system | DEHN, OBO Bettermann, Schneider Electric | IEC 62305 concept, Type 1 protection, bonding and earthing coordination |
| Data and signal lines | Phoenix Contact, CITEL, DEHN, OBO Bettermann | Signal type, bandwidth, clamping level, grounding method |
| OEM/private label sourcing | VIOX, CITEL, selected regional SPD factories | MOQ, labeling, documentation, product consistency, export support |
What Makes a Good Surge Protection Device Manufacturer?
A capable SPD manufacturer does more than sell devices. It gives buyers enough information to avoid incorrect voltage selection, mismatched device type, poor installation, and undocumented replacement risks.
1. Clear AC, DC, and PV Product Separation
The supplier should clearly separate AC SPD, DC SPD, and PV SPD. PV DC systems are not simply AC systems with different labels. DC voltage behavior, arc interruption, and PV string voltage calculations require specific product selection.
2. Real Standards Documentation
Ask for documentation based on the destination region and application. A reference to a standard on a web page is not the same as a model-specific certificate, test report, or declaration:
| Standard or framework | Why buyers check it |
|---|---|
| IEC 61643-11:2025 | AC low-voltage SPD requirements and test methods; the 2025 edition is used with IEC 61643-01:2024 |
| IEC 61643-31:2018 | SPDs connected to the DC side of photovoltaic installations |
| IEC 61643-32:2017 | Selection and application guidance for PV DC SPDs |
| UL 1449 | Common North American SPD safety standard |
| IEC 62305 | Lightning protection system design and risk concept |
| RoHS / REACH | Material-compliance evidence when required by the destination region or buyer |
| ISO 9001 | Quality management system indicator, not a product performance certificate |
Do not treat a logo as proof of product suitability. For serious procurement, match the standard, model number, voltage class, and test document to the actual SPD being purchased.
Standards status checked September 2026: use the latest applicable edition required by the project and confirm any national adoption or transition period. Existing products may still cite an earlier edition, so the date and scope of the supporting document matter.
3. Technical Parameters That Are Easy to Verify
A good SPD datasheet should make these values easy to find:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Uc / MCOV | Maximum continuous operating voltage for AC systems |
| Ucpv | Maximum continuous operating voltage for PV DC systems |
| In | Nominal discharge current |
| Imax | Maximum discharge current for Type 2 SPD context |
| Iimp | Impulse discharge current for Type 1 or Type 1+2 SPD |
| Waveform | Type 1 ratings are commonly tied to 10/350 microsecond impulse testing; Type 2 ratings are commonly tied to 8/20 microsecond discharge testing |
| Up | Voltage protection level |
| SCCR / Iscpv | Short-circuit current capability or PV short-circuit behavior |
| Pole configuration | 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P, 3+1, PV DC configurations |
| Status indication | Visual indicator, pluggable cartridge, remote signaling contact |
4. Installation Support, Not Just a Product Photo
Installation can materially affect protection performance even when the selected SPD is suitable. A serious manufacturer should provide wiring diagrams, lead-length guidance, backup fuse or breaker requirements, earthing/bonding instructions, and installation limits.
5. Product Range for Layered Protection
A reliable surge protection concept may involve Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, DC SPD, AC SPD, PV SPD, and signal-line SPD in different locations. Suppliers with only one SPD type may be suitable for simple jobs, but larger projects often need a broader product family.
Common Buying Mistakes When Choosing an SPD Manufacturer
Mistake 1: Comparing Consumer Surge Protectors with Industrial SPDs
Consumer power strips and industrial surge protective devices do not serve the same role. For B2B purchasing, focus on DIN rail SPDs, panel SPDs, PV DC SPDs, and signal-line SPDs rather than desktop outlet strips.
Mistake 2: Buying by kA Rating Alone
A larger kA number does not automatically make the SPD better for every project. Voltage rating, type classification, Up value, backup protection, installation location, and wiring quality can be just as important.
Mistake 3: Ignoring AC vs DC vs PV Difference
An AC SPD should not be used as a PV DC SPD. PV DC applications require product selection around Ucpv, DC disconnection behavior, and IEC 61643-31-type requirements.
Mistake 4: Accepting “IEC 61643” Without the Exact Part
IEC 61643 is a series, not a single universal certificate. IEC 61643-11 and IEC 61643-31 apply to different SPD contexts. Buyers should confirm the exact standard part and the model covered by the document.
Mistake 5: Forgetting Maintenance and Replacement
SPDs are protective devices that can reach end-of-life after surge events or accumulated stress. For commercial and industrial projects, status indication, pluggable cartridges, and remote signaling contacts can reduce maintenance uncertainty.
Supplier Checklist for OEMs, Distributors, and Panel Builders
Use this checklist before approving an SPD manufacturer or supplier.
| Check item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Product family | AC SPD, DC SPD, PV SPD, Type 1, Type 2, Type 1+2, signal SPD |
| Target standard | IEC 61643-11, IEC 61643-31, UL 1449, or local requirement |
| Datasheet completeness | Uc/Ucpv, In, Imax, Iimp, Up, SCCR/Iscpv, pole configuration |
| Backup protection | Required fuse, breaker, or manufacturer-specified protection |
| Installation diagram | Wiring method, PE connection, lead length, grounding/bonding |
| Monitoring | Visual indicator, remote contact, pluggable module |
| Packaging and labeling | Distributor label, OEM label, carton design, language requirements |
| Export support | HS code, certificates, documentation, sample policy, lead time |
| Quality control | Incoming MOV inspection, assembly checks, electrical testing, traceability |
| Application support | Solar, industrial, building, data, signal, or custom panel use |
Where VIOX Fits in the SPD Supplier Shortlist
VIOX should be evaluated as a sourcing option rather than as a neutral winner over every global brand. Its relevant audience is OEM buyers, distributors, and panel builders comparing low-voltage protection products that may be sourced together. For product evaluation, start with the VIOX SPD range and confirm the required SPD type, voltage class, application, documentation, commercial terms, and local approval requirements before quoting.
FAQ
Who is the best SPD manufacturer?
There is no single best SPD manufacturer for every project. Schneider Electric, ABB, Siemens, Phoenix Contact, DEHN, OBO Bettermann, CITEL, Eaton, Legrand, and VIOX are all worth evaluating, but the best choice depends on application, standards, voltage class, lead time, local availability, and documentation requirements.
What is the difference between a surge protector manufacturer and an SPD manufacturer?
In everyday language, the terms can overlap. In industrial procurement, an SPD manufacturer usually refers to a supplier of surge protective devices for distribution boards, control cabinets, photovoltaic systems, data lines, and electrical panels. A consumer surge protector manufacturer may mainly produce plug-in outlet strips.
What standards should an SPD manufacturer provide?
For AC low-voltage SPDs, IEC 61643-11 and UL 1449 are commonly checked depending on the destination region. For PV DC SPDs, IEC 61643-31 and IEC 61643-32 are important references. The exact requirement depends on region, product type, and project specification.
Which manufacturers are strong for solar PV DC SPDs?
DEHN, Phoenix Contact, CITEL, ABB, and VIOX are common names to evaluate for PV DC surge protection. The buyer should confirm Ucpv voltage class, IEC 61643-31-related documentation, Type 2 or Type 1+2 requirement, and wiring diagram before selecting a model.
What should I ask before buying SPDs from a supplier?
Ask for the datasheet, standard documentation, wiring diagram, backup protection requirements, installation instructions, status indication options, packaging details, lead time, and whether the device is intended for AC, DC, PV, signal, or data-line protection.
Is a higher kA rating always better?
No. A high surge-current rating is useful only when the device also matches voltage, SPD type, protection level, installation point, backup protection, and application. A poorly installed high-kA SPD can still provide weak protection if the lead length is excessive.
Can one SPD manufacturer cover AC, DC, PV, and signal protection?
Some manufacturers have broad portfolios, while others specialize in one category. Phoenix Contact, DEHN, CITEL, and larger electrical brands often cover multiple categories. Regional OEM suppliers may also be useful when the buyer needs price flexibility, packaging support, and distributor-oriented sourcing.
Should distributors choose a global brand or an OEM SPD supplier?
Global brands often suit specification-driven projects and established local approval channels. OEM suppliers may suit pricing, packaging, private-label, and flexible sourcing requirements. Compare model-level documentation, product consistency, delivery, and destination-region requirements rather than choosing only by brand name.
Conclusion
The best SPD manufacturer is not simply the company with the most famous name or the largest surge-current number. For industrial and B2B sourcing, the right supplier is the one that matches the application: AC distribution, PV DC protection, industrial control cabinets, data lines, building lightning protection, OEM sourcing, or distributor resale.
For buyers comparing surge protective device manufacturers, start with the application, then confirm standards, voltage rating, SPD type, technical documentation, wiring guidance, and support. That process will produce a better shortlist than searching for the broad phrase “best surge protector” and mixing consumer power strips with industrial SPDs.
For buyers who also need an OEM or distributor sourcing option, VIOX can be included in the shortlist after the required voltage class, SPD type, destination-region documentation, and installation point are defined.
