Access Control
& Security Systems

Power surges from brown outs, black outs, grid switching and large equipment can create surges that cause false alarms in life safety systems. By employing surge protection, which is required under most fire codes, danger can be averted.

"False alarms caused by lightning strikes are controllable through power and phone line protection," says the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) in a May 2000 brief. "This protection can protect burglar and fire alarm panels from damage and prevent many false alarms."

For adequate surge protection, follow this checklist:

1. Surge suppressors should by UL-listed and installed a minimum of three feet from the control panel for a margin of safety.

2. Use surge protectors that self-restore after dissipating the surge to the ground.

3. Buy the proper surge protector for your application with the specific model that suits your needs.

4. Choose surge protectors that meet the latest codes.

5. Keep up with technological advances in the area.

(This story was submitted by Del Williams, a technical writer based in Torrance, Calif.)

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