ST Series Power Supply Instruction Manual INSTALLATION
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3.3 GROUNDING
Proper grounding is the single most important aspect of the installation of the E-
beam. During arcing events, RF noise is generated that must be properly driven to
ground to avoid interference/damage. For this reason, the E-beam ground must be
separate from the electronics rack ground and ideally as short as possible.
Improper grounding can lead to poor performance,
interference with other equipment, damage to E-beam
electronics or other equipment, or even shock
potential.
NOTE: Do not depend on water pipes for the system ground
connection. Because of multiple joints and sealing compounds, water
pipes typically do not make a good Earth Ground. Keep in mind this is a
high frequency return as well as a DC ground.
Regardless of the method of grounding, the first point of connection for the ground
cable/strap is always the E-beam chamber. There should be a specially designed
ground bar welded to the chamber for this purpose. The strap, if used, should be
"sandwiched" between two bars to ensure a broad area connection.
Connecting to Building Steel:
The best method known for grounding the E-beam is to tie the ground bar to building
steel as close as possible using the appropriate grounding strap (varies based on the
distance - see figure 3-4). One must verify that the building steel has a good connection
to ground for this to be a viable solution. Be sure to remove any paint, rust, etc. from
under the connection point to the building steel.
Because the connection is for an RF ground, surface area is more important than cross-
sectional area. It is critical to have a wide surface area of connection between the
grounding strap and the building steel.
When in doubt, always go with the larger ground connection. You can never have too
good of a connection!
Do not use braided wire. Be sure that the connection is made to clean metal.
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