Key Specification Ratings
Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (MCOV) – 7/10
Why Did It Earn this Score? – When it comes to MCOVs in a modern whole home surge protection device, options between 150 volts and 300 volts tend to suffice well. Fortunately, the Schneider Electric HEPD80 provides those two precise options between its L-N and L-L modes, respectively. However, Schneider Electric has surprisingly left MVOCs for its L-G and N-G modes, requiring prospective HEPD80 users to purchase the device and test it for themselves if they hope to use either of those modes in the long-term.
Voltage Protective Rating (VPR) – 8.5/10
Why Did It Earn this Score? – If you’ve ever purchased a whole home surge protection device before, you know how disappointing it is when it only comes with two different VPRs between its four modes of protection. It would appear that the engineers at Schneider Electric had heard the feedback decrying this undesirable lack of functional options because the HEPD80 includes three differentiated VPRS at 600 volts (L-N and L-G), 900 volts (N-G), and 1,000 volts (L-L). Each of these options will more than suffice a small or mid-sized home’s electricity needs in the midst of a surge event.
Mode of Protection – 8.5/10
Why Did It Earn this Score? – The Schneider Electric HEPD80 makes use of all four major modes of protection, which is a welcome change from some of this manufacturer’s less capable offerings. That being said, prospective users of this unit will be able to choose between L–N, L–G, L–L, and N-G modes, thus ensuring that they always have enough functional customization options to meet the unique surge protection needs of their whole home.