this post was submitted on 23 Sep 2023
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I’m wiring a type 2 surge protector and want to surface mount it on the drywall here with the cables going into the drywall and then into a breakout in the panel. What kind of conduit elbow can I get to hide the wires entering the drywall that will screw onto the threads on the surge protector? Thanks

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The silver ring on the threads should be threaded off of the unit. Then you put the threads through a knockout in the side of a junction box and thread the silver ring back on, securing the device to the junction box. Attach the junction box to the wall, using one of the rear knockouts to pass the conductors through the wall. You could also use a conduit elbow tap, but I'm not sure if the threads would be the right pitch.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Thanks for the reply. It seems over the top to me to mount a full junction box just to have those wires enter the wall. Is this the kind of elbow you mean? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-2-in-EMT-Rigid-Pull-Elbow-94505/203776539

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Yep, that's the kind. Take the device to the store so you can enssure the threads are a match and then use the silver nut to position the elbow 90° to the wall. Just make sure to get the conduit and fittings you'll need to get it through the wall and into the distribution panel as well. No point in doing it halfway.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

It looks like your panel is also Eaton? If so, they make a surge protector that mounts directly to the bus bar: BNRSURGE (Amazon)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

It is, but I think the protection is better from these external ones. And I’ve had equipment damaged by close lightning strikes twice in the past 6 weeks so don’t want to take any chances 😞

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I know this is old and the task is probably complete, but I am going to share anyways because why not.

I think cutting in a remod box, romex from there to panel, then blank cover with 1/2ko in the center to mount the SPD.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Haha. It’s actually not done yet, it’s still hanging there and your message is making me feel guilty.

I bought a faceplate that should go over it and planned to cut into the drywall, drill through the bottom of the panel so I can screw the surge protector to it, then use the faceplate over it. But it’s tricky finding space.

What’s a remod box, just a big electrical box in the wall with a blank faceplate and put the surge protector in it? Then just attach the wires to romex with wire nuts?

What is 1/2ko?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

funny. I know how that goes myself.

remod box

blank plate with 1/2in ko

run romex from the remod box into the panel, attach SPD to cover, wire to romex. SPD will be sticking out from the wall with this. This is why they make buss mounted SPDs btw. Way less to install. Its also one of those things, if it worked, you will never know unless you have advanced education and monitoring equipment coupled with specific knowledge of each electronic it is supposedly protecting and what "surges" would destroy them. Its borderline snake oil. Not that they are empty plastic boxes with an led, but that you will never know if it works or not. It could also fail and be sitting there protecting nothing when the next storm comes in. If you are looking to meet some warranty conditions, the buss mount or even a conditioner between the outlet and electronic may be an option also.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Thanks! I lost about $6000 of equipment last summer to a nearby lightning strike so I needed to get something installed. Still considering a type 1 device before the panel as well

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

audiophile?

Lightning probably induced current on the bonding/grounded conductor. There is an integral path from the earth to the grounded conductor then on to your devices.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

I think it mostly came in on some outdoor cat6 that didn’t have a surge protector. Should have used fibre but too late now. Broke my TV and AV receiver, network switch, multiple computers (only the network sockets were broke though). And it also broke the pool pump and pool lights which are stupidly expensive.