A bank branch is full of exactly the equipment lightning damages most: servers, network switches, ATMs, CCTV, access control and UPS systems. A strike doesn't have to hit the building to cause damage; a nearby strike can send a surge in along the power, data and telephone lines.
What a strike can cost a branch
- ATMs and the banking hall offline until equipment is replaced.
- Damaged servers and network gear, and the data and time spent restoring them.
- Security systems down, which can mean closing the branch.
- Fire risk where a strike finds its own path through the building.
What branch protection should include
- A lightning risk assessment for each building, especially stand-alone and taller branches.
- Lightning protection where the assessment calls for it, bonded to the building's earthing.
- Low-resistance earthing for the server room and comms equipment.
- Surge protective devices on the incoming supply, sub-boards, UPS outputs and data lines.
- A test certificate at handover, and yearly retesting recorded for every branch.
One standard across every branch
Banks run many sites. The same design, the same products and the same test records at every branch make protection easier to audit and to maintain. It also fits naturally with the changeover and backup work branches already need.
We have worked with Access Bank for over 12 years. Talk to us about protecting your branches.