BlogPower & facilities
Surge protection for IT equipment
By David Otieno, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
Surges from lightning and switching damage electronics. Layered protection at the board, the rack and data lines reduces the risk.
Electrical surges are a common cause of failed computers, switches and routers.
Where surges come from
Lightning strikes nearby, utility switching and large equipment starting or stopping.
Layered protection
- Surge protection at the main distribution board.
- Protection at sub-boards and in UPS units.
- Protection on data lines entering the building — network, antennas, telephone lines.
Earthing matters
Surge protectors need good earthing to work.
Replace when needed
Surge protectors can be used up by large events. Check indicators and replace when required.
Protect the right places
Prioritise equipment that is expensive or critical — servers, network cabinets, CCTV recorders, weighbridge electronics — and any equipment connected to long outdoor cable runs, which are particularly exposed.
See our power protection services.
About the author
David Otieno
Senior ICT Consultant
David Otieno writes about cybersecurity, physical security systems, power resilience and running IT reliably day to day.