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components of the RuralConnect® equipment are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Use adequate ESD protection, such as an anti-static wrist strap, whenever handling the
equipment. It is also important to avoid the use of conductive tools.
2.2.
Grounding
A ground is a low impedance electrical connection to the earth utilized for energy dissipation.
Grounding the RuralConnect® is very important for safety reasons, as well as protecting the
system from damage due to lightning and/or static charge build up. Since lightning strikes and
surges are high-current and high-frequency events; short, straight ground wires (not coiled or
looped) must be used. Choose the largest diameter ground wire your ground connectors will
accept for good electrical conductivity. We recommended a #8 gauge copper wire or larger.
Utility company grounds, grounding rods, well casings, and cold water pipes constructed of
continuous metal are strongly recommended. A note of caution: sometimes repaired and/or
extended metal cold-water pipes include PVC sections hidden behind drywall. PVC will disrupt
conductivity and render the pipe unacceptable as a ground. Conductivity is often poor in desert
areas, so multiple ground rods may be required (preferably bonded together to make a suitable
connection). The impedance of your grounding should never exceed 5 Ohms. Carlson
recommends maintaining a ground with less than 3 Ohms. Undesirable grounds include, but are
not limited to, sprinkler pipes, PVC pipes, conduit, and buried wire. Never use an unverified
ground.
In order to prevent electric shock, always disconnect the remote power source and all cables
from the system prior to removing the grounding connection.
2.3.
Lightning Protection
Poorly grounded lightning protection is the same as having no protection at all!
Lightning is one of the most dangerous, yet most common, natural hazards for a RuralConnect®
system. It is absolutely essential to install and maintain adequate lightning protection for your
equipment. Verified ground connections are imperative for lightning protection to work correctly.
Primary lightning protection is located outside the enclosure. Install primary lightning protection
with a good ground on all RF and/or data connections that have even a moderate outdoor line
build-out. Best practices dictate all lines entering or exiting a building need protection. You must
use protection on both ends of the cables between buildings! Contact your sales representative
for detailed specifications and usage information for the primary lightning protection solutions
available from Carlson.
In areas with frequent lighting activity, augmenting the client station install with a nearby
lightning rod is strongly recommended. Lightning can be unpredictably strike, might miss the
antenna mast altogether, and make contact with underlying wiring/cabling instead. Lightning
discharges into the lowest impedance path to ground, i.e. earth. In many cases this will be the
master ground in the primary AC panel, unless nearby grounding is installed.
2.4.
Cable Recommendations
Use of proper high-quality cabling is important to ensure the best performance for your
RuralConnect® system. Carlson extensively researched and tested cabling before selecting
those offered for RuralConnect® customers. It is recommended that you use only Carlson
approved cables. Discuss your cabling options with your Carlson Sales Representative.
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