Clamping Down on Lightning
Smart security practitioners know better than to ever underestimate the power of Mother Nature. That includes lightning strikes, which can wreak havoc for systems unless they are properly grounded and equipped with surge protection.
When Lightning Boils Soils
An interesting phenomenon associated with lightning and grounding rods is the creation of fulgurites. If a grounding rod takes a hit from lightning, the surrounding soil is heated to such a high temperature that it can turn to a form of glass. And glass happens to be a very good insulator. This reaction is more prevalent in sandy soil areas. So, in an instant, a good low resistance ground rod can turn in to an insulator. Periodic testing is necessary to confirm a system’s ground resistance is still low. It has been said that in some areas of Florida the formation of fulgurites on system ground rods are prevalent enough to prompt replacing them on a regular basis as a precautionary measure.
Tech Talk Tool Tip
In keeping with the theme, this month I have selected the DITEK Corp.’s Critical Load surge protection device (SPD). Up until recently, you would have needed to periodically visually inspect the presence of an LED indicator for performance confirmation. The DTK-120SRD device now has a set of contacts for alarm supervision, a favorite feature for all of us alarm people.
The product
’s multistage hybrid design provides high quality filtering and lower clamp levels. Designed for 120V circuits, it meets both government and military specifications for fire panel applications.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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