Executive Summary
This standard provides a description of basic practices to obtain a reliable, low impedance grounding and bonding system in communication networks.
There are five principal objectives for providing a dependable low impedance grounding and bonding system. These include:
- Personal Safety: Minimize the development of electrical potential that could create a shock hazard to personnel, within and between metallic frames and structures.
- Equipment Protection: Provide adequate fault current paths so any installed overcurrent devices can disconnect faulted circuits to reduce the possibility of fire and limit damage to the critical equipment.
- Equipment Operation: Provide an equalized ground reference to electronic communication circuits connected to the ground plane.
- Electrical Noise Reduction: Assist in the reduction of electrical interference by maintaining low impedance paths between ground points throughout the communication system.
- Reliability: Provide a grounding system that resists deterioration and requires minimal maintenance.
Scope
This document includes practices for exterior system grounding and bonding, interior grounding systems, surge protection, roof mounted lightning protection, environmental handling for electric static discharge (ESD) sensitive equipment, commissioning, and maintenance.
Benefits
Broadband networks can become more dependable when appropriate standardized grounding and bonding procedures are followed. The recommendations herein also ensure operational safety.
Intended Audience
Cable operators, contractors, and cable industry equipment manufacturers should familiarize themselves with this publication.