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Catalyst 4500 E-Series Switches Installation Guide
OL-13972-02
Chapter 2 Preparing for Installation
Site Requirements
Note
In all situations, grounding practices must comply with Section 250 of the National Electric Code (NEC)
requirements or local laws and regulations. A 6 AWG grounding wire is preferred from the chassis to the
rack ground or directly to the common bonding network (CBN). The equipment rack should also be
connected to the CBN with 6 AWG grounding wire.
Table 2-1
Grounding Practice Guidelines
Environment
Electromagnetic
Noise Severity Level Grounding Recommendation
Commercial building is
subjected to direct lightning
strikes.
For example, some places in the
United States, such as Florida,
are subject to more lightning
strikes than other areas.
High
All lightning protection devices must be
installed in strict accordance with
manufacturer recommendations. Conductors
carrying lightning current should be spaced
away from power and data lines in
accordance with applicable
recommendations and codes. Best grounding
practices must be closely followed.
Commercial building is located
in an area where lightning storms
frequently occur but is not
subject to direct lightning
strikes.
High
Best grounding practices must be closely
followed.
Commercial building contains a
mix of information technology
equipment and industrial
equipment, such as welding.
Medium to High
Best grounding practices must be closely
followed.
Existing commercial building is
not subject to natural
environmental noise or
man-made industrial noise. This
building contains a standard
office environment. This
installation has a history of
malfunction due to
electromagnetic noise.
Medium
Best grounding practices must be closely
followed. Determine source and cause of
noise if possible, and mitigate as closely as
possible at the noise source or reduce
coupling from the noise source to the victim
equipment.
New commercial building is not
subject to natural environmental
noise or man-made industrial
noise. This building contains a
standard office environment.
Low
Best grounding practices should be followed
as closely as possible. Electromagnetic noise
problems are not anticipated, but installing a
best practice grounding system in a new
building is often the least expensive route
and the best way to plan for the future.
Existing commercial building is
not subject to natural
environmental noise or
man-made industrial noise. This
building contains a standard
office environment.
Low
Best grounding practices should be followed
as much as possible. Electromagnetic noise
problems are not anticipated, but installing a
best practice grounding system is always
recommended.
