Quick links:
- Do You Need Surge Protection?
- When Is It Mandatory?
- Why Surge Protection Matters
- Prebuilt Boards for Fast Compliance
- Explore Products
Do Heat Pump Installs Need Surge Protection?
If you're fitting a heat pump, then yes - you should be using surge protection. Modern heat pumps are packed with sensitive electronics, and a voltage spike can fry the board before the system even boots up.
A circuit breaker doesn't stop surges. And whole-house protectors might not catch what's coming from inside the property. That’s why more manufacturers are recommending - and some requiring - a dedicated Type 2 SPD on the circuit.
When Is It Mandatory?
According to the regs, you must install surge protection if:
- The property has sensitive equipment (✅ heat pumps qualify)
- There’s a risk of overvoltage from atmospheric or switching events
- The client hasn’t signed a waiver declining protection
In real-world terms, most heat pump installs should include a Type 2 SPD as standard. Many also require Type A RCBOs for residual protection.
Why Surge Protection Matters for Heat Pumps
Today’s heat pumps run on inverter drives and circuit boards - not just motors and relays. That makes them far more vulnerable to power spikes caused by:
- Lightning strikes
- Grid switching events
- Startup surges from other appliances
Even minor surges can degrade components over time. And once the board’s cooked, it’s not repairable - it’s a total swap job.
A £30–£80 surge protector could save you a £1,000 board replacement - or worse, a callback from a failed install.
Trade Tip: “I’m an installer - the answer is yes. Heat pumps are more computer than anything else. A board can’t survive a spike.” - via Reddit
Prebuilt Boards for Fast Compliance
We supply heat pump-ready consumer units designed to meet 18th Edition requirements without the faff. For example, our 8-way consumer unit with built-in surge protection and B Type RCD is ideal for inverter-based heat pump systems.
All our boards are:
- Supplied with Type 2 SPDs pre-installed
- Compatible with A Type RCBOs for fault and overload protection
- Pre-wired with tidy internals for fast, clean fit-outs
Everything is UK-stocked, compliant with BS7671, and built to order in 2–3 days.
🔗 Explore Products:
- View all Heat Pump Boards – Fully prebuilt, regulation-ready kits
- Surge Protection Device WSPDT2 – Compact Type 2 SPD for panel installs
- Mini High Immunity A Type RCBO – 1 module, 6–40A, with switched neutral
Not sure what fits your spec? Get in touch - we’ll help you build the right setup for your install.