Cisco Nexus 5600 Series - Grounding the Switch; Proper Grounding Practices

2-8
Cisco Nexus 5600 Series Hardware Installation Guide
Chapter 2 Installing the Cisco Nexus 5600 Series Switches
Grounding the Switch
Grounding the Switch
This section describes the need for system grounding for all of the Cisco Nexus 5600 switch and explains
how to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge.
This section includes the following topics:
• Proper Grounding Practices, page 2-8
• Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage, page 2-9
• Establishing the System Ground, page 2-11
• Required Tools and Equipment, page 2-11
• Grounding the Cisco Nexus 5600 Series Chassis, page 2-12
Proper Grounding Practices
Grounding is one of the most important parts of equipment installation. Proper grounding practices
ensure that the buildings and the installed equipment within them have low-impedance connections and
low-voltage differentials between chassis. When you properly ground systems during installation, you
reduce or prevent shock hazards, equipment damage due to transients, and data corruption. Table 2-6
lists some general grounding practice guidelines.
Table 2-6 Proper Grounding Guidelines
Environment
Electromagnetic Noise
Severity Level Grounding Recommendations
Commercial building is
subjected to direct lightning
strikes.
For example, some places in the
United States, such as Florida,
are subject to more lightning
strikes than other areas.
High All lightning protection devices must be
installed in strict accordance with
manufacturer recommendations.
Conductors carrying lightning current
should be spaced away from power and
data lines in accordance with applicable
recommendations and codes. Best
grounding recommendations must be
closely followed.
Commercial building is located
in an area where lightning
storms frequently occur but is
not subject to direct lightning
strikes.
High Best grounding recommendations must be
closely followed.
Commercial building contains a
mix of information technology
equipment and industrial
equipment, such as welding.
Medium to high Best grounding recommendations must be
closely followed.