Moving to the network has provided users with many benefits in regard to their security systems. Faster communication between devices, integration and optimized operation can all be achieved with networked systems. However, with networking comes new dangers, including new risks to your devices from power surges. Power surges come in many sizes, and from a variety of sources. They can damage and/or destroy your video surveillance, fire and access control systems, along with any other device on the network.
When people consider what events put them at risk for damaging surges, they typically think of the possibility that lightning will hit their building first. This makes sense, as there are 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per year. A sudden, severe surge from a lightning strike can cause almost immediate and devastating failure of important security equipment, and can even cause fires. However, in reality, surges are far more likely to come from other sources and are often internally generated. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, lightning strikes account for just two percent of all surge-related damage. That means that 98 percent of the damage is done by the hundreds of smaller power surges that are mostly unnoticed every day.