If an appliance has blown or your router has died after a storm, it was probably caused by a power surge. With the REBT (Spain's Low Voltage Electrical Regulations) under revision, surge protection is about to change from a recommendation into a legal requirement. Here's what that actually means and whether it affects you yet.
What is a power surge?
A surge (sobretensión) is a sudden rise in voltage above the normal levels of the mains supply. It can last microseconds (a transient surge, caused by lightning or switching operations on the grid) or persist for longer, as a temporary overvoltage, for example due to a fault in the distribution network.
In both cases the outcome can be the same: damaged appliances, ruined electronics, or in the worst case a fire risk in the consumer unit (cuadro eléctrico, your fuse board).
What the REBT says about surge protection
The revision of ITC-BT-23, part of the REBT update, is set to make protection against temporary and transient overvoltages mandatory in new installations, without the prior risk assessment that is required today.
It's worth being precise: as of today, the final text of the new REBT has not yet been published in the BOE (Spain's Official Gazette). The regulation in force is still Royal Decree 842/2002. What exists is an advanced draft, under European public consultation, with publication expected but no confirmed date. Even so, the direction of travel is clear, and many new installations are already being carried out with this protection ahead of the rules.
The three types of protector (SPD)
- SPD Type 1: protects against direct lightning strikes. Relevant in buildings with a lightning rod.
- SPD Type 2: the most common in homes. Fitted in the consumer unit, it protects against surges coming from the mains.
- SPD Type 3: fine protection, fitted close to especially sensitive equipment (electronics, home automation, battery chargers).
When will it affect you?
According to the draft, the requirement will apply to:
- New electrical installations.
- Major renovations or extensions of the consumer unit.
- Adding new circuits, such as air conditioning, home automation or an EV charger.
- Installing solar panels or battery storage, where specific protection for the DC (direct current) side is also expected.
If your installation isn't touched, there's no immediate obligation to adapt it, unless a serious risk is identified. But any significant upgrade, including fitting an EV charger or solar panels, will trigger the requirement.
Is it worth installing even though it isn't mandatory yet?
In Málaga, autumn storms and voltage spikes on the grid aren't uncommon, especially inland and in homes with older installations. A type 2 surge protector in the consumer unit is a small investment compared with the cost of replacing a television, a computer or a damaged home-automation system.
It's particularly worthwhile if you have, or are planning to install, solar panels, an EV charger, or smart-home systems: these are precisely the installations most vulnerable to this kind of damage.
How much does it cost to install a surge protector?
The price depends on the type of device and the complexity of your consumer unit. As a rough guide, a type 2 SPD fitted in a home typically starts at around €120-150, though the final price depends on your installation. For a quote tailored to your case, it's best to have an authorised installer inspect your consumer unit.
Frequently asked questions
Is surge protection mandatory right now?
Not yet. The REBT currently in force (Royal Decree 842/2002) does not require it across the board. The obligation is part of the REBT revision, which has not yet been published in the BOE.
What happens if I install an EV charger now?
Under current regulations it depends on the risk assessment of your installation. Under the new REBT, this kind of upgrade will trigger the surge-protection requirement. Fitting it now, even though it isn't mandatory, is good preventive practice.
Will any surge protector do?
No. The device must match the type of installation, the location of the consumer unit and the risk level (for example, whether the building has a lightning rod). An authorised installer can tell you which type you need.
My installation is old, do I have to update it now?
Not immediately, unless it presents a serious risk. But if you're going to carry out any significant renovation or extension, that's the moment to add this protection.
Does surge protection cover damage from a power cut?
Not exactly. It protects against voltage spikes, not against supply outages. These are different phenomena and require different solutions.
If you'd like to know whether your consumer unit has the right protection, or you're thinking about installing an EV charger or solar panels, VLR Instalaciones can inspect it and advise you with no obligation. You can read more about our surge protection service.