A minimal investment could save your company thousands

The best way to protect your business from lightning is to install surge protection on all vulnerable devices and the electrical data paths between them. For example, install AC power and data circuit protection for each dispenser. Next, install protection on the controlling devices inside your stores, such as distribution boxes and pump controllers. Finally, add surge protection to your point of sale equipment and all of its data paths. As a rule, always install AC power and low voltage surge protection on all devices that are interconnected.

So, how does surge protection work? The concept is simple. When voltage increases beyond a device’s acceptable operating range, the excess energy is safely diverted to ground. Based upon the application, the surge protector may offer fast reaction time, high-energy disposal, both, or a hybrid solution. Some surge protection devices include noise filtering and/or overcurrent protection. Reputable companies that specialize in surge protection may also offer free site surveys to help achieve the most effective protection solutions.

Who has the best surge protection for my convenience stores? Many companies offer surge protection. Very few companies specialize in it. When selecting a brand of surge protection, ask yourself some basic questions:

• Does this company specialize in surge protection?
• Has the company been in business very long?
• Are their products manufactured in the USA?
• Are their products UL listed?
• Do they offer technical support?
• Are they competitively priced?
• Do they warrant their products against manufacturing defects?
• Do they offer solutions to meet all of my surge protection needs?
• Would they consider a site survey for my stores?

In today’s competitive market, the key to operating a successful convenience store is to operate with maximum efficiency and minimum downtime. Every time a dispenser is down a potential sale is lost. Saving money on initial installs may seem like a good idea, but could haunt you later down the road. Always considering what would happen if your fueling or point of sale equipment suddenly went down. When planning your next project, be sure to budget for surge protection. If your stores don’t have surge protection, what are you waiting for, the next storm?