Chapter 2
Installation
11
2.3
Site Requirements
The FCC requires telecommunications equipment to withstand electrical surges
that may result from lightning strikes; the TAINET Network Series Modem meet
the requirements set forth by the FCC. Make sure the electrical service in your
building is properly grounded as described in article 250 of the National Electrical
Code (NEC) handbook. The following procedure outlines some common practices
that can minimize the risk of damage to computer equipment from electrical
surges:
Verify that a good copper wire of the appropriate gauge, as described in
Tables 250-94/95 of the NEC Handbook, is permanently connected between
the electrical service panel in the building and a proper grounding device
such as:
A ground rod buried outside the building at least 8 feet (2.44 meters)
deep in the earth. Several ground rods, connected together, buried
outside the building at least 8 feet (2.44 meters) deep in the earth.
If you are unsure whether the electrical service in your building is
properly grounded, have it examined by your municipal electrical
inspector.
Install a surge protector between the modem and AC power outlet. Any
additional computer equipment you have connected to the modem
(directly or through another device), such as a terminal or printer, should
also be plugged into the same surge protector. Make sure that the surge
protector is properly rated for the devices you have connected to it.
Call your telephone company and ask them if your telephone line is
equipped with a circuit surge protector.
If you are operating the modem in an area where the risk of electrical
surges form lightning is high, disconnect the modem form the telephone
line at the modem's rear panel when it is not in use.