18. Common Mistakes & Failure Modes · Page 2 of 7
Mistake: Missing or High-Impedance PE
An SPD without earth is theater.

Symptom
Repeated common-mode damage, mysterious shocks/tingles on faults, SPD never shows stress.
Cause
PE not landed, painted contact surfaces, or shared skinny earth jumpers.
Fix
Restore bonding integrity; test continuity; redesign earth tails.
