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Altai Technologies Ltd. All rights reserved
AX500 Series Installation Manual
10.
Waterproof Protection
10.1
Introduction
Sealing materials are required to be applied to Ethernet and RF connectors for outdoor deployment. The
first and foremost reason is to prevent water and moisture from entering the connectors. The second reason
is to protect the RF connectors from gradual degradation due to UV radiation and pollution. Sunlight and
weather will oxidize metal surfaces and cause DC resistance to increase on exposed mating surfaces. It is
true that the RF connectors are supposed to be weatherproof, but if left exposed to weather conditions,
they will tarnish and start to look rather ugly in a short time. A good taping job will also prevent the RF
connectors from loosening up, which is a common occurrence for RF cables exposed to vibration and
strong winds.
We recommend the following sealing materials for weatherproofing the connectors:
1.
High-quality, all-weather, black plastic electrical tape, preferably 3/4” (19mm) wide to make it easier to
manipulate the tape around the Ethernet and RF ports. The port is often first wrapped with a layer of
electrical tape to make it easier to remove the second layer which is a butyl rubber layer. In addition,
one or more layers of electrical tape are used as a final outer wrap to provide UV protection. We
recommend the 3M Scotch Super 88 Vinyl Electrical Tape for this purpose.
2.
High-quality, all-weather, black rubber mastic tape, preferably 1” (25mm) wide or less to make it easier
to manipulate the tape around the Ethernet and RF ports. Rubber mastic tape is self-amalgamating - it
chemically bonds to itself, forming a strong, waterproof joint. A layer of rubber mastic tape is applied
around a connector joint to provide a weatherproof seal, often on top of a layer of electrical tape. We
recommend the 3M Scotch 2228 Rubber Mastic Tape for this purpose.
Figure 10-1 Electrical Tape and Rubber Mastic Tape for Waterproofing connectors
10.2
Installation Tips
A few general rules about weatherproofing the Ethernet and RF ports:
1.
Always apply the tape at temperature above 32°F to ensure adhesion. When working in cold weather,
always protect your tape rolls by storing it under your coat and next to your body to keep the tape
flexible. If the tape cannot be stretched elastically, it will not seal properly.
