Re: why ground an alarm panel.

[robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx]

You are correct.  Since the panel is low voltage, life safety isn't the
primary reason for grounding it.  However, code requires that you
install the device in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Common sense agrees with the manufacturer in this case.

That said, while Honeywell (nee: Ademco) allows you to ground to an
electrical outlet, that is not the best place to earth your panel.  The
best method is to connect it to the building's common earth ground --
usually a copper clad rod sunk in the ground near the electrical
service entrance.

As others have already said and as I have also mentioned in earlier
threads in this and other newsgroups, the best lightning protection for
your electronic equipment is a bonded (aka "common") earth ground.  It
is very important that all services be grounded to the same point or,
failing that, to a system of ground rods which are bonded together so
as to provide a unified earth connection.  This will help avoid one of
the most common lightning damage situations where the current flows in
one ground -- through your stuff -- and out another.

Regards,
Robert L Bass
www.BassBurglarAlarms.com