SPD NEWS: Understanding the Discontinuation of the FS140 Surge Protector and Its Replacement

Bolt Shield vs. FS140
The FSPD 140 Bolt Shield was identified as the replacement after the FS140 flush plates, previously expensive, saw a price drop due to the FS140's discontinuation, making the FS40 flush plates more affordable.

Challenges with Bolt Shield
The Bolt Shield is difficult to mount unless using a surface mount panel. It lacks a flush mount kit for flush panels, leading to a less aesthetically pleasing installation with longer leads.

Vortex Surge Protectors
The speaker has increasingly used the Vortex RS PSP surge protectors, installing several in the last three months. The Vortex models are favored for their reasonable pricing and ease of acquisition.

Comparison
Bolt Shield: Type 2 surge protector, requires a circuit breaker, offers 140,000 surge protection, has a plastic casing, and includes a 10-year warranty.
Vortex: Can be either Type 1 or Type 2, provides 120,000 surge protection, has an aluminum casing, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The Vortex is advantageous for its metal construction, ease of installation as a Type 1 device, and lifetime warranty.
Installation Tips
The Vortex surge protectors come with crimps designed to grip securely behind feeder wires, making them easy to install without needing additional breaker spaces. The pricing for the Bolt Shield is around $200+, while the Vortex ranges between $120-$130.

Whole House Surge Protector (SPD) Considerations
A whole house surge protector (SPD) can help prevent fires and protect electronics from power surges. When choosing an SPD, consider:

Joule Rating: A rating of 200 to 400 is recommended, while sensitive equipment like computers and audio/video equipment should have a joule rating of at least 1000.
Response Time
Number of Outlets
Product Recommendations
Siemens Boltshield FSPD140 Level 2 Whole House Surge Protection Device

Rating: 4.8 (6 reviews)
Price: $205.91
Retailers: Home Depot, others
Description: Easy to install, provides protection from both externally and internally generated surges, has a maximum amperage of 140,000, decent performance in terms of maximum surge current. Some users report issues with the light indicator and hard-to-see LED lights.
Siemens Boltshield FSPD036 Surge Protective Device

Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Price: $42.48
Description: Easy to install, provides protection from both externally and internally generated surges.
Siemens BSPD3C100 Surge Protection Device

Price: $338.19
Description: Provides protection from both externally and internally generated surges, located as close to the building distribution system as possible.

[halledwardb]

Thanks for the update. Personaly ive had so much good luck with the Seimens that it would be hard for me to switch.


One day the FS was there and the next BAM they were listed at $450.

Just recommended the new Seimens to a friend. Ill be using the boltshield myself on the new project.

Ill really need some more war stories with the vortex to switch.

[Terable]

Lifetime warranty is a red flag. SPDs contain components that are sacrificial and a 5-10 year warranty is realistic. I do not see any connected equipment covered by the PSP brand, nor the new FSPD140 which is using "new" but unproven technology that deviates from the industry standard of individually thermally fused MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) . All surge protectors can offer some protection from ground faults created by distant lightning strikes, and possibly mitigate damages from a direct strike, but that energy will not necessarily go through the main service with the SPD, which is why a cascading plan of surge protectors is best. OR, unplug things when you are in a storm or power outage.

[lolerdongs]

I also saw that PSP has commercial ones that have 240ka protection, can these be installed in homes?

[lolerdongs]

Is the FS140 better in any other way than boltshield other than the faceplate? Is there any difference in the tech inside? Also where can we purchase the Vortexx? I dont see sny sellers online

[jankuehl]

I've been searching for siemens fs140, all I find are no-name or foreign named (Indian or Chinese branded versions of the fs140. have no idea if they are knock-offs or counterfeits, or if they are legal licensed versions. but I found a dozen different brands, so I'm guessing Siemens lost the patent. So I went with the FSPD140 Bolt shield because it still includes the Siemens Name.