How Long Should a Surge Protector Last?

Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) come in all shapes and sizes. They could be point of use devices found in power strips, Whole-Home or commercial units. However, they are not all created equally. Some may last a few years, while others may still be working after decades of use.

So, what is the working life of a surge protector? The short answer is that it depends. It depends on a variety of factors from environment to product protection (kA) ratings, and even installation practices. The main causes for reduced life of SPDs are noted below.