Grounding

Grounding and Bonding Its Importance, Standard Review, Proper Practices

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Agenda

Why Grounding and Bonding is Important Review of Key Definitions Review of J-STD-607-A Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding Requirements For Telecommunications Proper Implementation & Hubbell Solutions

Grounding & Bonding Webinar

Grounding and Bonding

Grounding and bonding is important for:

Reliable operation of telecommunications equipment and systems.

More and more, Engineers and Technicians are becoming more:

Sensitive to proper grounding and bonding And are looking for products prepared to meet the standard and code. Demand for systematic / standardized approach Hubbell is introducing some NEW products, polishing off some OLD products, and cleaning up our cabinets to present a COMPLETE Grounding and Bonding Solution

Practices vary widely

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Key Terms & Definitions

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Definitions (from J607)

bonding : The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will assure electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed. bonding conductor for telecommunications: A conductor that interconnects the telecommunications bonding infrastructure to the building's service equipment (power) ground. earthing: An international term that is equivalent to grounding. See ground. effectively grounded: Intentionally connected to earth through a ground connection or connections of sufficiently low impedance and having sufficient current-carrying capacity to prevent the buildup of voltages that may result in undue hazard to connected equipment or to persons. grounding : A conducting connection, whether intentional or incidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth. telecommunications bonding backbone: A conductor that interconnects the telecommunications main grounding busbar (TMGB) to the telecommunications grounding busbar (TGB). telecommunications bonding backbone interconnecting bonding conductor : See grounding equalizer. telecommunications grounding busbar : The interface to the building telecommunications grounding system generally located in telecommunications room. A common point of connection for telecommunications system and equipment bonding to ground, and located in the telecommunications room or equipment room. telecommunications main grounding busbar: A busbar placed in a convenient and accessible location and bonded by means of the bonding conductor for telecommunications to the building service equipment (power) ground.

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Other Definitions
grounding electrode conductor : The conductor used to connect the grounding electrode to the equipment grounding conductor, to the grounded conductor, or to both, of the circuit at the service equipment, or at the source of a separately derived system. grounding electrode system: An electrode(s) as specified in the National Electrical Code, Article 250. grounding equalizer (GE): The conductor that interconnects elements of the telecommunications grounding infrastructure (formerly TBBIBC). infrastructure (telecommunications): A collection of those telecommunications components, excluding equipment, that together provide the basic support for the distribution of all information within a building or campus. listed: Equipment included in a list published by an organization, acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment, and whose listing states either that the equipment meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner. protector : A device consisting of one or more protector units intended to limit abnormal surges on metallic communications circuits. Includes a mounting assembly for the protector units. protector unit: A device intended to protect against either overvoltage or overcurrent, or both. The unit may contain carbon arresters, gas tubes, solid state devices, heat coils, PTC devices, or a combination of these components for a specific application.

Grounding & Bonding Webinar

JSTD-607-A
Review of Key Concepts

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Proper Grounding
JSTD607 (replaced TIA / EIA 607) defines a proper dedicated, isolated building ground system. Dedicated two ways:
1. Components are dedicated to grounding (e. g., pipes are plumbing components, not grounding busbars.) 2. Components dedicated to telecommunications grounding busbar for electrical system not tied to telecommunications system.

Major Components:
Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB) located in each TR; each rack / equipment tied directly to TGB (i.e., not daisy chained). Telecommunications Bonding Backbone (TBB) runs through building from telecomm space to telecomm space (TR, TE, etc.) connecting TGBs together and to the TMGB. (This is NOT the buildings plumbing.) Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar (TMGB) Typically a larger version of the TGB located in the Telecommunications Entrance Facility, this is where all of the branches of the TBB start. Tie far end of branches together using Grounding Equalizer. Bonding Conductor for Telecommunications Ties the TMGB to the buildings grounding electrode.

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JSTD-607-A

Jointly Developed by TIA and ATIS Committee T1 Significant Changes:

Greater grounding bus bar detail Tower and Antenna recommendations Addresses Work Area and Personal Equipment Harmonized with NEC Terminology Overview of Telecommunications Grounding and Bonding Systems Components of Telecommunications Grounding and Bonding Systems Entrance Facility TR & ER Work Area Annex D Plan, design, install a grounding system to support future telecom equipment.

Major Sections of J-607

Purpose

The standard does not address bonding to to actual cabling system components (e.g. racks, panels, etc.)
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Section 4 - Overview

Originates at the service equipment (power) ground and extends through the building Major Components
TMGB Bonding Conductor for telecommunications (i.e., bus bar and a strap)

Also may include

TBB (Telecommunications Binding Backbone) GE (Grounding Equalizer) TGB (Telecommunications Grounding Bus bar)

Guidelines of 568, 569 & 606 apply

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Section 5 - Components

Connectors shall be listed Conductors

Shall be copper May be insulated (if so, UL Listed [e.g. plenum rated]) Minimum size shall be No. 6 AWG

Avoid Metal (Ferrous) Conduit Labeling (See to ANSI/TIA/EIA 606 for additional labeling requirements.)

Each telecommunications grounding and bonding conductor shall be labeled. Labels shall be located on conductors as close as practicable to their point of termination in a readable position. Labels shall be nonmetallic and include the information depicted below. Straps, TBB, and GEs shall be green or marked green.
IF THIS CONNECTOR OR CABLE IS LOOSE OR MUST BE REMOVED, PLEASE CALL THE BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Grounding & Bonding Webinar 11

TMGB

Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar (TMGB)

Serves as the dedicated extension of the building grounding electrode system for the telecommunications infrastructure. The TMGB also serves as the central attachment point for the telecommunications bonding backbone(s) (TBB) and equipment. Typically, there should be a single TMGB per building. Ideally located the telecommunications entrance facility. However, the TMGB should be located to minimize the length of the bonding conductor for telecommunications.

Location

The TMGB should serve telecommunications equipment that is located within the same room or space. Extensions of the TMGB (i.e., other telecommunications busbars in other telecommunications spaces) shall be TGBs.

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TMGB

The TMGB shall:

Be a predrilled copper busbar provided with holes for use with standard sized lugs; Be sized in accordance with the immediate application requirements and with consideration of future growth; Have minimum dimensions of 6 mm (0.25 in) thick x 100 mm (4 in) wide and variable in length; Be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

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TMGB Installation

The TMGB Connects the Telecom Ground System to the Power Ground

Where an electrical power panel is located in the same room or space as the TMGB, that panelboards alternating current equipment ground bus or the panelboard enclosure shall be bonded to the TMGB. The TMGB shall be as close to the panelboard as practicable and shall be installed to maintain clearances required by applicable electrical codes.

The Telecom Ground System originates with the TMGB Bond metal raceways (conduit, raceway, ladder) to the TMGB OR to the Ground Conductor if one exists inside. Connections to the TMGB
Method Exothermic Welding Listed Compression Lugs Suitable and Equivalent One Hole Non-Twisting Lugs Other Irreversible Compression Type Connections Two-hole Lugs Preferred Bonding Conductor for Communications and the TBB Communications Equipment

Tw o-hole Only

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TMGB Guidelines

Should be in the Entrance Facility Acts as the TGB for that space The TMGB shall be insulated from its support. A minimum of 50 mm (2 in) separation from the wall is recommended to allow access to the rear of the busbar. The TMGB shall be located:

Such that it is accessible to telecommunications personnel To maintain clearances required by applicable codes Near the electrical panel board OR backbone cabling termination So that the Bonding Conductor for Telecommunications is as short and straight as possible

A practical location for the TMGB is to the side of the panelboard (where provided). The mounting height of the TMGB should be adjusted to accommodate overhead or underfloor cable routing.

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BCT Guidelines

BCT - Bonding Conductor for Telecommunications Sized same as TBB Bonds the TMGB to power ground

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TBB Guidelines

Telecommunications Bonding Backbone

Originates at the TMGB Connects the TGBs in all TRs and ERs to the TBB. Extends through the building using the backbone pathways Interconnects multiple TBBs whenever two or more TBBs are used In a multistory building the TBBs shall be bonded together with a GE at the top floor and at a minimum of every third floor in between. Shall be sized as specified as a TBB

The Grounding Equalizer

Plumbing shall not be used as a TBB (that is to connect TGBs to the TMGB) Cable shield shall not be used as a TBB

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Sizing the TBB

The TBB shall be a copper conductor. The minimum TBB conductor size shall be a No. 6 AWG. The TBB may be insulated. If the TBB is insulated, the insulation shall meet the fire ratings of its pathway. The sizing of the TBB is not intended to account for the reduction or control of electromagnetic interference. A TBB is not intended to serve as the only conductor providing a ground fault current return path. Should be installed without splices

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TGB Guidelines

Connect the Telecommunications Ground Bar to:

The TBBs and other TGBs within the same space Electrical power panel for telecommunications equipment (either the enclosure or ACEG bus) The Grounding Equalizer if present All metallic raceways for telecommunications cabling located within the same room or space

Use a conductor the same size as the TBB. The bonding conductor between a TBB and a TGB shall be continuous and routed in the shortest possible straight-line path. Guideline for installing, locating and connections to TGB are similar to TMGB

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Bonding to Metal Building Frame

All connectors used for bonding to the metal frame of a building shall be listed for the intended purpose. If accessible and in the room, the TMGB / TGB MUST be bonded to the vertical steel metal frame using a minimum No. 6 AWG conductor. If external to the room and readily accessible, the metal frame SHOULD be bonded to the TGB or TMGB with a minimum No. 6 AWG conductor. Bond to horizontal (in lieu of vertical column) member only if

Practicable because of shorter distances Horizontal steel members are bonded to vertical column members Bonding of the steel bars of a reinforced concrete building to the TGB or TBB not required

The building frame DOES NOT replace the TBB

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Order Copy of Standard

Global Engineering Documents 15 Inverness Way East Englewood, CO 80112-5704 or call U.S.A. and Canada (1-800-854-7179) International (303) 37-7956

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Proper Grounding
Practical Application and Implementation

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Grounding Myths
Common Misconceptions About Grounding and Bonding

As long as Im tied to the building plumbing Im OK.

If the building plumbing / metal alone is used to ground, the installation loses several key benefits of a proper telecommunications ground system.

1. Surge protection provided by the Grounding Electrode System and Conductor in the Entrance facility. These components will reduce the risk of equipment damage by filtering surges from lightening strikes and the like. 2. Protection against floating grounds / ground loops. 3. Reliability. At times, building metal is not available OR is not connected to anything and so is not a reliable path to ground

If one end of a ground cable (TBB) is tied to ground, the potential along its entire length is 0V (ground).

This is false. The TBB has an impedance (even if very small). With drain current running over large distances, the far end of the TBB branch will have a greater potential than the near end (tied to the TMGB) if not properly installed a floating ground. This can affect the performance of equipment tied to this ground and possibly present a shock hazard. (e.g., if a TE is tied to an energized ground, an operator who comes in contact can get shocked.) The use of grounding equalizers and the practice of tying TGBs to the building frame will prevent this. Improper grounding is even worse than not providing a proper ground. If two or more TBB branches are that are floating are tied together, the circuit that runs to the TMGB and back will be a ground loop again affecting equipment and presenting a shock hazard. The use of grounding equalizers and the practice of tying TGBs to the building frame will prevent this.

Theres no need to worry about ground loops.

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Grounding Myths (contd)

When I drill a hole and attach a lug, my rack is grounded

Powder coating is an excellent insulator. Its highly unlikely that a typical aluminum equipment rack is entirely bonded, It is more like likely that the upright only that the lug is attached to is grounded. To properly ground a rack:
1. Use paint piercing washers under the bolt heads and nuts during assembly. 2. Install a ground bar on the rack (ala a rack mounted TGB) 3. Run a strap from a lug to the ground bar.

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Special Applications

Shielded (STP / ScTP) Systems

A proper telecommunications ground system is required to terminate the drain wire at each end. Closely follow mfg. instructions for terminating. See Annex D of JSTD-607-A A master ground bar / TGB should be located in the enclosure. All enclosure components (doors, sides, rails, etc.) should be electrically connected to frame with dedicated grounding hardware. Hardware used for grounding must have grounding as its sole function. (e.g., hinges or locks cannot be relied on to provide path to ground, a separate strap must be used.) HPWs Rebox, QuadCab, CPE, and ZoBoxes have provisions for grounding.
Dedicated mounting for bus bars Factory prepared grounding kits Wide assortment of kits available

Telecommunications Enclosures (TEs)

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Proper Grounding
JSTD607 (replaced TIA / EIA 607) defines a proper dedicated, isolated building ground system. Dedicated two ways:
1. Components are dedicated to grounding (e. g., pipes are plumbing components, not grounding busbars.) 2. Components dedicated to telecommunications grounding busbar for electrical system not tied to telecommunications system.

Major Components:
Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB) located in each TR; each rack / equipment tied directly to TGB (i.e., not daisy chained). Telecommunications Bonding Backbone (TBB) runs through building from telecomm space to telecomm space (TR, TE, etc.) connecting TGBs together and to the TMGB. (This is NOT the buildings plumbing.) Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar (TMGB) Typically a larger version of the TGB located in the Telecommunications Entrance Facility, this is where all of the branches of the TBB start. Tie far end of branches together using Grounding Equalizer. Bonding Conductor for Telecommunications Ties the TMGB to the buildings grounding electrode.

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Hubbell Solutions
19 Rack Mount Ground Bar (MCCGBAR)
Use to provide a common ground point on a 19 equipment rack.

Wall Mount Cabinet Ground Kit (REKGB)

Use to connect doors and chassis to a common ground point.

Telecommunications Ground Bar (RKTGB)

Provides a common point in the TR for grounding equipment, cabinets and racks. Can be used as TGB or TMGB.

Grounding Kit (RKG)

Use to connect common grounding points such as the RKTGB and MCCGBAR to the TBB or metal frame.

500A Braided Strap (HPWCGPK12)

Use to connect sections of runway (ladder rack, etc.) or common grounding points.

Bonding Connector (BC285SB100)

Use to field install a screw terminal / connection point in braided strap, service wire, or cable shield.

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Hubbell Grounding Solutions

REKGB HPWCGPK10

RKTGB

RKG

MCCGBAR
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Summary

Grounding v. Bonding

bonding: The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path. grounding: A connection, whether intentional or incidental, between equipment and the earth.

Benefits

Safety Equipment performance Code compliance NEC, JSTD-607-A

System

Think of Telecommunications Grounding & Bonding as a system Look for enclosures that are prepared with grounding provisions. Hubbell offers many grounding products
S P

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Thank You for Your Time!

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