Ku-Band BUC systems
Page 12 of 18 12-50176-EN Issue 2, December 2010
Essential risk management for safeguarding personnel,
protecting equipment, and dissipating lightning
These potential differences may occur:
• if there is a fault in the AC mains reticulation system
• when high power electrical machinery located nearby is switched on or off
• if a lightning strike occurs in the area
It is highly recommended that the antenna metal structures and the cases of the outdoor
equipment be connected together and grounded with earth stakes, or in the case of
rooftop sites be connected to the lightning grid and earth system of the building. The
protective earth screws on the modules provide this protection. This practice also reduces
the likelihood of the mains supply or RF interfering with the LAN and serial interface
signals, noise interference to the IFL, and ESD protection.
In the case of lightning strikes, large ground currents occur for several hundred metres
around a strike area, causing large voltage potentials between separate earth points. For
this reason, some lightning engineers recommend the use of large copper earth straps (at
least 4 mm
2
cross-sectional area), or braid, to connect the indoor and outdoor equipment
earth systems.
The consequences of unprotected system installations include loss of revenue due to:
• downtime of the system
• corrupted data and/or total loss of data
• damage to equipment, including the possibility of fire
• overcoming electrical hazards for personnel
WARNING
Precautions must be taken to ensure the installation is adequately
protected against voltage potential differences that may occur between the
outdoor and indoor equipment.
WARNING
Equipment must be earthed in a star configuration. The centre connection
of the star must be bonded to the main earth for the site.
WARNING
For critical installations in lightning-prone areas, it is strongly advised
that you seek expert advice on lightning protection.
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