PTI security systems Falcon XT, Руководство по установке

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18
Surge Protection
Power fluctuations and surges are issues that are faced by all
access control systems and electronics. The controller has excellent
built-in surge protection; however, if you are in an area that is prone
to brownouts, blackouts, electrical storms, or other major power
interruptions or fluctuations, we recommend that your system be
equipped with the following safeguards against these problems.*
• If connecting the Falcon XT using USB, the supplied USB cable must
be used as it includes the needed surge protection. Failure to use
this cable for USB connectivity will void your warranty.
• Obtain adequate lightning insurance coverage from an insurance
agent for all electronic equipment if you are in an area that is prone
to regular lightning strikes or electrical storms.
• UL rated power supplies adequately rated to provide at least 12 volts
(AC or DC) and no more than 18 volts (AC or DC) at each AI device
as well as providing sufficient amperage throughout the system.
• Power conditioning and surge suppression in the form of an
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system connecting the controller,
the access control system’s power supplies, and any computers to
the 120V power. The controller and system power supplies must be
connected to separate UPSs from the computer. Each component
plugged into a UPS reduces the actual battery backup time.
• Ditek or Opto-Isolator surge protection for the RS232 and RS485 at
the controller and at each AI device.
• Gates, door strikes, and elevators should have battery backup or
other safety measures that meet local and national electrical codes.
• Office computers, copiers, fax machines, telephones, and other
electronics should be plugged into surge protectors or a separate
UPS.
• For ongoing power issues, contact your local electrical company for
their recommendations. Often, they can install power conditioners
and/or surge suppressors on the incoming power lines to help
protect your site.
* These recommendations should provide protection against most common power
surges, power fluctuations, indirect lightning strikes, and general electrical storm activity;
unfortunately, due to the naturally destructive nature of lightning and electrical storms,
there is only so much protection that can be provided to any hard-wired electronic system.
Any local or direct strike may damage one or more pieces of electronic equipment in the
vicinity and may damage or destroy the surge protectors or even, in some cases, the
entire system. Considering that lightning is powerful enough to arc more than 12 miles
across the sky, there is not much that you can do to protect any electrical equipment
against a direct strike other than to have appropriate lightning insurance.
Do not confuse a
‘power strip’ with a
‘surge protector’. Often, surge
protectors are located right next
to power strips in the store and
look very similar. Power strips
merely add additional outlets
while surge protectors actually
provide electrical protection. Look
for the words ‘surge protection’
on the packaging and purchase a
well known brand. Many high-end
surge protectors offer insurance
against damage to electronics if
the surge protector fails to protect
them. Buying the better model
surge protector doesn’t cost much
more and will provide peace of
mind that your electronics are
protected.
Uninterruptible Power
Supplies (UPS) are
the best option in the consumer
market for protecting most
electronics. A UPS does three
things:
• Conditions incoming power
to help prevent minor power
spikes and temporary power
drops (brownouts) from
damaging the electronics.
• Protects against major power
surges with better protection
than most surge protectors.
• Provides temporary battery
backup in case of complete
power loss. The duration of
backup time varies by the
type of UPS and the items
that are plugged into it.
Most UPSs offer an insured
guarantee should an electronics
product be damaged by a surge.
You can purchase a UPS from PTI
Security Systems or at almost any
computer or office supply store.