The data network in a home or business is the backbone of automation systems. Every piece of equipment is connected through this network. Once damaging surge energy enters the system it can continue on to any and every piece of equipment connected to the system. It is even more common with large networks to have ground loop surges during lightning events. With a correctly coordinated and grounded Transient Protection Design installed system electronic damage can be totally eliminated or greatly reduced.
Surge energy can enter your home on power, phone, cable and/or any unprotected copper line that enters or leaves the building. Outdoor wireless access points and IP cameras located outside are other ways surge energy can enter directly into your network system. Once this damaging surge energy gets into the network it is hard to predict where it will go and what it will damage on its way to ground. See our Transient Protection Design for Phone, Cable and Data Networks for more information on how to surge protect your business’ or home’s network from transient surges.
Another way lightning and power surges can damage your network is by creating damaging ground potentials, i.e., ground loops, within your networks power system. This frequently happens when networks are communicating with separate buildings on the property and lightning hits near the home or business. In larger homes or buildings with multiple panels different ground potentials can exist within a single structure. This sometimes happens during nearby lightning strikes when panels are on remote ends of buildings or different floors. This means that if your networks switches are powered by more than one breaker panel in the building you have the potential for ground loops. See our Transient Protection Design on Ground Loop Surge Filters for more information on how to protect your business’ or home’s network from damaging ground loops and surges.
Yours home’s network is becoming more and more invaluable to the security, safety and well-being of your family. Also, it is the backbone of the system that makes sure all your equipment works properly.
