154
Using Surge Arresters
B.3
Installation
B.3.1
Mounting Location
Location is a key consideration when installing the Model AS0094500. It should be mounted as
close as possible to a good earth ground, such as a grounding rod or station ground grid. The
shorter the path between the arrester and the earth ground, the more effectively it will bypass the
induced voltages.
B.3.2
Ground Connection
The Model AS0094500 may be grounded in two ways: (1) via the ground-wire screw connection,
or (2) by hard-mounting directly to a grounded metal surface.
If grounding via the ground-wire screw connection, use the largest possible gauge wire. Hole
diameter allows up to 8 AWG wire (0.129 in or 3.26 mm). This wire should be as short as possible,
and connected to a good earth ground.
Alternately, the arrester may be mounted directly to a well-grounded plate within the facility.
B.3.3
Antenna and Clock Connections
The type F connectors are interchangeable. One connects to the antenna and the other connects to
the receiver. Use only a low-loss, tri-shield or quad-shield 75-ohm coaxial cable – RG-6 or RG-11
are the preferred cable types. RG-59, or other similar types of coaxial cable, should be avoided due
to greater signal loss and poorer shielding at the GNSS frequency (1.575 GHz).
B.3.4
Weather Sealing the Connections
To protect from weather, use only type F connectors with appropriate sealing features. Typically
this includes an o-ring in the male connector that seats against the face of the female connector on
the surge arrester. Also, crimped connectors frequently include a silicone gel flooding compound,
which enhances the ability of the connection to withstand the rain and humid conditions. To better
seal the entire connection, cover the joint with GE Silicone II compound.
Use the proper crimping tool if using crimp-on connectors. Improper tools may not guarantee a
strong and sufficiently grounded connector resulting in poor cable performance and GNSS reception.
Consider purchasing RF cables of various standard and custom lengths manufactured by Arbiter
Systems.
B.3.5
Suggested Mounting
Figure B.2 illustrates the recommended mounting of the AS0094500 with the F-connectors facing
downward. Install drip loops in the cables to reduce the likelihood of moisture penetrating the
device and the structure.
