When it comes to protecting transportation and communications infrastructure, standards matter. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has established some of the most demanding specifications in the country for the equipment used in critical systems—from traffic lights and smart signage to roadside communications and intelligent transportation networks. Products that carry FDOT certification have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand Florida’s challenging climate and perform reliably under continuous stress.
FDOT certification is not just a regional endorsement—it serves as a mark of durability, quality and regulatory compliance. For engineers, contractors and municipalities across the U.S., FDOT-certified products offer peace of mind in environments where failure is not an option.
What Is FDOT Certification—And Why Does It Matter?
FDOT is responsible for planning, developing and maintaining Florida’s transportation systems, including roads, bridges, traffic signals and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Because of the state’s challenging weather conditions—including frequent lightning strikes, intense heat and high humidity—FDOT sets rigorous standards for all materials and devices used in its infrastructure.
To be used in FDOT-controlled projects, products must pass a demanding approval process. This ensures they can endure Florida’s harshest environmental and operational conditions without failure. Only the most robust and reliable products make the cut—and once they do, they’re listed on FDOT’s Approved Product List (APL).
Why FDOT Certification Is Important (Everywhere)
Even if your project isn’t located in Florida, FDOT certification offers benefits that go well beyond the Sunshine State:
-
Verified Durability: Products that earn a spot on the APL have been tested and proven under extreme conditions. That means you can trust them to perform in demanding applications—urban, coastal, desert or otherwise.
-
Regulatory Compliance: FDOT evaluates compliance with industry standards, ensuring that certified products meet electrical safety, performance and quality benchmarks.
-
Risk Reduction: Municipalities, contractors, and system integrators use FDOT-certified equipment to reduce liability. These vetted products lower the risk of equipment failure, downtime and legal exposure.
-
Streamlined Procurement: Many state and municipal projects across the U.S. accept or prefer FDOT-approved products because of the transparency and quality assurance that comes with certification. This simplifies procurement and accelerates project timelines.
-
Signal of Quality: FDOT approval is more than a local stamp—it’s a trusted indicator of long-term reliability. Whether you're managing transportation, utilities, industrial systems or smart city infrastructure, FDOT-certified SPDs signal best-in-class performance.
Transtector’s Four FDOT-Certified Surge Protectors
Transtector now offers four surge protectors that are listed on the FDOT APL, meaning they meet the standards required for Florida infrastructure.
-
Network Support: Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), PoE++
-
Application: Ideal for network cabinets, control rooms and communication hubs where high-speed data and power-over-Ethernet are used. Compact and DIN-rail mountable, this SPD protects IP cameras, industrial controllers and wireless access points.
-
Network Support: GbE, PoE++
-
Application: Engineered for pole-mounted or outdoor enclosures, this device protects traffic cameras, weather stations and outdoor access points. Its NEMA-rated enclosure ensures safe operation in harsh weather.
3. SP50RS-1201P Outdoor AC Surge Protector (SP PLUS Brick)
-
Type: AC power
-
Voltage: 120V
-
Application: Suitable for LED streetlights, signage, control cabinets and other outdoor electrical systems. The SP PLUS brick format simplifies installation, and it provides clean, consistent power in unpredictable environments.
4. SP50RS-240SP Outdoor AC Surge Protector (SP PLUS Brick)
-
Type: AC power
-
Voltage: 240V
-
Application: Designed for high-voltage outdoor systems, including industrial power panels, traffic control cabinets and distributed energy resources (DERs). Like its 120V counterpart, this SPD combines easy installation with robust surge protection.
Why FDOT Certification Should Be on Your Radar
FDOT’s stringent requirements are driven by real-world conditions—frequent lightning strikes, high humidity, salt-laden coastal air and soaring summer heat. These environmental challenges push products to their limits, making FDOT certification a meaningful indicator of resilience. Even if you’re operating in a vastly different region, the underlying assurance holds: if it meets Florida’s specs, it’s likely to exceed yours.
More and more cities and utility providers nationwide are recognizing the advantages of adopting FDOT-certified components. Whether you’re involved in transportation, industrial automation, smart grid deployment or public safety infrastructure, using pre-approved, performance-proven hardware can reduce procurement friction, speed up project timelines and lower long-term maintenance costs.
Transtector’s FDOT-approved surge protectors are in stock and available for same-day shipment. For more info, visit Transtector.com or contact us at +1 (208) 635-6400.
