After the storm ...

Issue 0

Is the security protection of your home or the gated community in which you reside up to scratch after an electrical storm or mains power surge?
"It is a question home owners on a private property or residing in gated communities should ask themselves," says Warren Botten of Clearline. "Electronic protection and surveillance can only be as good as the protection employed against electrical storm damage or mains surges. With load shedding practised by power utilities more often, the sudden switch on after a power outage can create surges that can cause immediate damage or accumulated damage over a period of time. Both lead to failures, some instantly, and others like a time bomb over a period," he said.
There are three areas that require protection against surges caused by lightning and mains borne surges: the power supply, the data line and the intercom system. Ideally all protection devices should be fitted together to ensure maximum protection efficiency.
Clearline has developed specific products in the Powerline series to protect the gate motor, data line and the intercom system. The equipment line filter has built-in surge suppression for effective protection against lightning transients and mains borne noise. The filter tube has a single mounting stud with connecting leads for easy installation. The unit includes thermal protection, which eliminates fire hazards.
It is advisable to fit the intercom protection unit which is available in 15, 24 and 36 V versions. The unit utilises screw type connections for easy installation. The wiring from the remote intercom units is looped before being connected to the actual intercom.
A security and PSU protection unit is available where protection of the power supply is also required.
There are some basic do's and don'ts in protecting security systems," Botten says. "It is important to keep the earth wiring between the intercom and motor protection unit as short as possible. The two protection units should also be fitted close together, preferably in the same housing."
Micronisation of electronic circuitry has reduced cost and allowed more efficiency and features to be built into equipment; it has, however, increased its vulnerability to lightning and to surges. Protection is a must and not a luxury. It saves on repair costs and prevents outages. Clearline protection products carry a two year guarantee and will be replaced free of charge if failed.
For more information contact Clearline, 086 020 4040, www.clearline.co.za.



 

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