Celebrating 20 years of Surge Protection Devices
Posted on: August 20th 2026 • Posted in: Uncategorized
As we officially turn 20, we reflect on two decades of technical innovation, industry leadership, multiple awards and an unwavering dedication to electrical safety.
The early years
Surge Protection Devices Ltd was founded in 2006, drawing on the extensive electrical industry experience of our founder, who had spent his entire career working within the sector. Changes within the electrical regulations created a new opportunity for surge protection, and recognising the potential of this emerging market, the opportunity to establish a specialist business was simply too good to turn down.
Helen joined the company with a real interest in helping to develop and grow the business, and over the years SPD has evolved from a small family-run company into the team and business we are incredibly proud of today.
Kirsty joined six years after Helen and the leadership team that we all know today was born.
2018 – The year everything changed
When we started Surge Protection Devices, an SPD was optional and we were one of the few companies in the industry championing the importance of surge protection. However, all that changed in 2018 with the publication of the IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2018, which transformed the rules on Surge Protection Devices in the UK. It replaced vague previous guidelines with strict criteria requiring transient overvoltage protection where a power surge risks human life, public services, commercial activity, or large groups of people.
Due to the 12 years of education that we had been providing, Surge Protection Devices were best placed to offer the products and education that the industry needed. Since that time, we have seen unprecedented growth, and we haven’t stood still. We have continued to invest in education, our team and innovation. This is highlighted by the launch of our 360 range. A new range of SPD’s that are suitable for TN-C, TN-S and TT installations as well as industry leading LED technology, which will illuminate green when the SPD is connected and functioning. This LED will then illuminate red when the SPD has failed, offering peace of mind.
Shaping the electrical industry
While we are proud of the quality of the products we produce, we don’t just focus on manufacturing, we are actively shaping the future of the industry. Kirsty Johnson MIET, our Technical Director serves as a vital voice on the British Standards Wiring Regulations committee. By focusing specifically on lightning and surge protection at a regulatory level, Kirsty ensures that the British electrical sector remains at the forefront of safety standards.
We believe that sharing knowledge is just as important as manufacturing hardware, surge protection can often seem like a complex or daunting subject. To combat this, they we offer free, in-depth CPD training to professionals across the sector, either through our Surge Academy or through our live training events.
Kirsty Johnson MIET, explains;
“Our goal is to make technical understanding accessible. Whether we are working with established consultancies, experienced installers or apprentices. By explaining surge protection in a way that is easy to understand and apply, we empower everyone to deliver safer, more reliable installations for their clients, regardless of how complicated the project may seem.”
Looking to the future
Looking toward the next twenty years, the electrical industry is entering its most transformative phase yet. The global push toward Net Zero and the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources have placed electrical design in the spotlight. High-quality surge protection is no longer just a safety requirement; it is a foundational element of sustainable infrastructure.
Surge Protection Devices Ltd are ready to meet these challenges head-on. We are increasing our investment in people, with new team members joining in sales, technical, operations and marketing. We are increasing our investment in processes and efficiency, and we are increasing our investment in innovation. 2026 has already seen us launch our new 360 range, and our technical team are working on a new top-secret project which we can’t wait to shout about, so watch this space!
