![]() ![]() Functional earth connections may be required by devices such as surge suppression and electromagnetic-compatibility filters, some types of antennas and various measurement instruments. In contrast to a protective earth connection, a functional earth connection may carry a current during the normal operation of a device. The aim of an equipotential bonding network is to improve the EMC performance.įunctional earthing: A functional earth connection serves a purpose other than providing protection against electrical shock. As a rule, all metal enclosures are connected as part of an equipotential bonding network to all other parts like metallic conduits, metal beams, steel girders etc. Safety: This is valid for all components if they are able to carry dangerous voltages and currents in case of an electrical fault. ![]() To make it clear: Earthing and equipotential bonding are applicable for any IT cabling system! Furthermore, these systems apply to both unscreened and screened cabling systems! An earthing and equipotential bonding implementation is necessary for EMC and safety reasons! The latest edition of EN 50310 and EN 50174-2 state clear that these efforts are applicable to any IT system! In practice screening, earthing and equipotential bonding will be combined. Many problems can result from an improper earthing system. All office and company buildings today have a communication technology installation, and even more so residential buildings. Even though the focus of this discussion is for buildings with communication technology installation, the standard shall be applied for at least all new buildings and if possible for existing buildings. The intention of European standard EN 50310 is to provide the optimum earthing and equipotential bonding conditions for buildings. It is fundamental to understand, that only a proper earthing system can prevent harm from the issues referred to above. A second function is to have a defined path for surges in the power system, lightning and emissions from outside sources like radar station, broadcast stations etc. The main connection to ground is called the protective earth (PE) and is recognised by the typical green/yellow insulation colour. At the other end of this conductor there is a connection to an electrode in the ground. This can be achieved by installing a low impedance connection to the protective conductor. The primary function of earthing is to: Save the life of humans and animals in case of any electrical fault. The main functions of earthing are Safety and EMI mitigation. The future is shielded and EMC is the key issue.Įarthing and equipotential bonding EMI and EMC are heavily dependant on sounding earthing and equipotential bonding principles. With 10 Gigabit Ethernet most of the existing rules have to be reconsidered. Therefore European standards continue to emphasis this importance. In regards to EMC it is the responsibility of the consultant and or architect to ensure the installed systems are compliant.ĮMC is more and more important and therefore its relevance is crucial to understand. But in fact it is a responsibility shared by all parties. It is often assumed that this is the responsibility of the electrical installer or the architect and not the responsibility of the data cabling installer. This misunderstanding is often the problem in practise. There is often a misunderstanding between the requirements for earthing and equipotential bonding for both shielded and unshielded systems. But all parts are important in regards to EMC and are valid for shielded and unshielded cabling systems. This guide briefly highlights the parts covering earthing, equipotential bonding and electrical power distribution. In general EMC is a vast subject and there are various books and literature available. This guide is intended to give some basic explanation of these issues as they relate to cabling systems. In regards to telecommunications equipment and cabling systems, there is often an uncertainty about what to do and to find the correct way for a proper installation. These have a great influence on the EMC of the system and the mitigation of EMI wherever applicable.Īs the number of electronic devices increases, every building owner is required to abide by all applicable EMC regulations and laws. Earthing, equipotential bonding and earthing are a major part of all new buildings and facilities. ![]()
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