Re: protection

["I brive a dus" <alarminstall@xxxxxxx>]

Mike Holt's site is excellent.

Robert L Bass wrote:
> > Most critical is that the earthing be single point.
> > Every incoming wire must earth to the same
> > earth ground.  Each structure must have its
> > own single point earthing...
>
> Very true.  If every incoming service on the structure is connected to a =
single point ground there is a significant reduction in
> damage from lightning.  This is particularly important for sensitive elec=
tronics such as security and home automation systems.
>
> Unfortunately, even when the installer correctly earth grounds the alarm,=
 his system may still be unprotected if other tradesmen
> don't follow code.  In many areas the worst offender is the CATV company.=
  They were notorious in New England and they still are in
> Florida for failing to ground at all, grounding improperly to metal sidin=
g, piggy backing onto the electric panel ground, etc.
>
> I routinely discuss bonded grounds with DIYers, especially on new constru=
ction.  Just as with propfessionally installed systems,
> other tradesmen are often at fault.  Most electricians get it right but p=
lumbers, CATV and even some telco installers screw up.  I
> also noticed when I first brought the subject up in this newsgroup some y=
ears ago that some alarm techs are unaware of the
> importance of a bonded (aka single point) ground.
>
> On a related subject, it bears repeating that the panel ground needs to b=
e as short as possible.  Bends in the ground cable should
> be radiused -- no hard 90 degree turns.  The best connection point it a g=
round rod sunk into the earth.  Never ground an alarm panel
> using an electrical outlet ground.  There are a few plug-in transformer w=
hich include a ground terminal.  Do NOT use that terminal.
> It will not provide proper protection for the alarm system's electronics.
>
> Mike Holt has useful information on grounding, bonding, etc., on his webs=
ite at mikeholt.com.  Note that most of his information
> concerns safety grounding (keeping people alive) whereas the primary conc=
ern for alarm installation is protective grounding (keeping
> electronics alive).  Nonetheless, it's a very helpful website.
>
> --
>
> Regards,
> Robert L Bass
>
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
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> Bass Home Electronics
> 941-866-1100
> 4883 Fallcrest Circle
> Sarasota =B7 Florida =B7 34233
> http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
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