# Serial Communications

Ardexa connects to many serial communications (mainly RS485) lines in connected plants. In connecting a serial line to an RS232 or RS485 computer, a terminal block is required, such as these:

* [Terminal block supplier](https://www.serialcomm.com/serial_and_fiber_optic_accessories/serial_terminal_adapters.aspx)
* [Serial line converter](https://www.serialcomm.com/serial_rs232_converters/rs232_rs485_rs422_data_repeaters/rs232_to_rs485_rs422_or_repeater/rs232_to_rs485_rs422_rep.product_general_info.aspx)

It is strongly recommended that these connections be isolated from electrical surges. Some of the equipment Ardexa and/or related staff working on these issues have used are:

* S[erial port isolation option for UNO2271 series machines](http://advdownload.advantech.com/productfile/PIS/PCM-24D2R4/Product%20-%20Datasheet/PCM-24DxRx-BE_DS\(06.07.17\)20180226163122.pdf)
* [Serial line suppressor](https://www.serialcomm.com/serial_rs232_converters/opto_isolated_and_surge_suppressors/rs485_surge_suppressor/rs485_surge_suppressor.product_general_info.aspx)