Method for the design of lightning protection, noise control and grounding system at a telecom facility intelec® 2014

There is generally an absence of a methodology that explains the logic behind the design of the lightning protection, noise control and grounding system for a telecommunication facility. Common types of telecommunications sites that require grounding include radio sites, roof mounted cabinets or shelters, ground mounted cabinets and shelters, satellite sites, data centers, cable chambers and central office buildings. The methodology behind the design of the grounding system should be versatile enough to apply to any facility. There is neither a single rule nor application of a standard that can eliminate the risk of lightning and its transients and noise at telecom sites. A holistic approach that does not miss critical parts of the design is required. The design of a telecommunications grounding system needs to take account of the following 5 points, typically but not always in this order of importance: 1. Indoor grounding arrangement 2. Outdoor grounding arrangement 3. AC surge protection for incoming power and DC surge protection for tower mounted radio units. 4. Surge protection & grounding of telephone lines and RF feeders. 5. Direct strike lightning protection This paper discusses a methodology that covers all aspects of the grounding design discussed above. The paper looks at examples and case studies of how this methodology is applied to various types of facilities. It also looks at commonly used telecommunications grounding standards in Europe and the USA and discusses how the methodology fits in with existing standards and codes. It also discusses relevant ITU Guidelines used for design of grounding systems. At the end of this paper, the attendees will be able to apply the methodology to their own facilities while complying with codes and standards relevant to their country. They will be able to come up with logical grounding system designs or modify existing designs and understand the reasoning and thinking behind incumbent practices.