When installing surge protective devices, which NEC article must be followed?

When installing surge protective devices, the appropriate NEC (National Electrical Code) article to follow is Article 285. This article specifically addresses the requirements for surge protective devices (SPDs), including their installation, application, and the necessary ratings and markings for compliance with safety standards.

Article 285 provides guidelines for the selection and proper installation of SPDs to ensure they function correctly to protect electrical systems from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes, power surges, and other transient voltages. The article outlines critical aspects such as the type of surge protective devices to use, their placement within a system, and how they should be interconnected to maintain system integrity and safety.

In this context, understanding the specific criteria laid out in Article 285 helps contractors and installers ensure that surge protective devices are utilized effectively to mitigate risks associated with electrical surges, thereby protecting equipment and enhancing the reliability of low voltage communication systems.