Re: Zapping Camera Problem

["ABLE1" <nospamhere@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Robert Macy" <robert.a.macy@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:485a6bd5-7af5-48b4-b406-b1ac77062d80@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On May 23, 4:38 am, NickMark <nmarkow...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> On Thursday, May 23, 2013 6:36:32 AM UTC-4, ABLE1 wrote:
> > Hello all,
>
> > Having a problem with continued Camera location being Zapped when a
> > storm
>
> > goes by. Over the past couple of years have had to replace a single
> > camera
>
> > location with new units after a storm. About six(6) cameras at this
> > point.
>
> > There are 2 cameras in this building. The other camera had been zapped
> > as
>
> > well before the surge protection and ground rod was installed. Since
> > then it
>
> > just the one that has had the continued problem. The cameras are about
> > 40
>
> > feet apart.
>
> > The following are the other particulars.
>
> > > It has always be the video side of the camera that has been hit.
>
> > > Building is separated from main building by about 200' of underground
> > > PVC
>
> > > conduit.
>
> > > Cable RG59
>
> > > Have installed at the building Ditek Surge Protector DTK-VSPBNCA. One
> > > at
>
> > > each camera.
>
> > > Ground Rod installed within 50' and #12 Ground wire to Protector
>
> > > Camera Powered locally with Wall Wart 24vac
>
> > I know that this may be impossible but the main question is, what can be
>
> > done to stop this from happening??
>
> > > Is there a better surge/spike protector??
>
> > > Would a second ground rod help??
>
> > > Would it make a difference if the camera was powered by 12vdc??
>
> > > Is there a way to determine the weak point of the system??
>
> > Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions that would be helpful.
>
> > Les
>
> you need to unify the grounds and tie all together a separate rod is
> causing step voltage

You can do separate ground rod *if* you configure the cabling
'correctly' [I know, sounds circular where 'correctly by definition
means it keeps on working. But, what I refer to is more like RF/
Microwave type construction techniques. For example, a connection
between two points is only a connection making the two points equal
voltage *IF* it's wider than long, else it's an inductor. An inductor
is likely to hold ALL the voltage across it for a little bit of time,
so you see, it's NOT a connection in the sense same voltage]

There are several firms that sell robust lightning protection add-
oons, but can't find fast enough.

Do you want to purchase and install, or do you want to learn a bit and
buy the bits and pieces yourself and modify the site yourself?


Here is a list of references kindly provided 2009 by Mick Matum of the
IEEE EMC group:
<http://plaza.ufl.edu/rakov/>
===================================================

Robert,

I don't mind learning something new, do it every day.   I have always be
fascinated with lightning as to its effects and potential.  However not to
the point of wanting to write a thesis on the topic.  More importantly here
is I want to find out what is needed to correct this problem at this
location that seems to be most unique.

Thanks for the technical theory link.  I will read some of it someday.

I get the idea that the grounds are the problem and that some additional
connections need to happen to some additional devices.  Already have done
enough experimenting but have had no success with a cure.  I have also
determined that not every fix works in every application.

The challenge is what device and where to apply.

Thanks,

Les