Grounding Standards PDF

ENGINEERING
PROJECTS
DEPARTMENT
ENGINEERING STANDARDS
GROUNDING IN TECHNICAL FACILITIES
DRAFT
The True University Of These Days Is A Collection Of CD-ROMs

(Apologies to Thomas Carlyle)
By Guy Lakeman
THE CONVERGENCE COMPANY LIMITED.

ENGINEERING PROJECTS DEPARTMENT:
Submitted to: THE CONVERGENCE COMPANY LIMITED
Submitted by: Guy Lakeman
Date: 02/03/98
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATEMENT ...........................................................................................................................0
INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY ...........................................................................................0
GROUNDING...........................................................................................................................0
LIFE SAFETY GROUNDING ....................................................................................................................................... 0
GROUND FAULT PROTECTION .................................................................................................................................................0
LIGHTNING PROTECTION ........................................................................................................................................................0
ELECTRICAL NOISE - CONTROL GROUNDING ........................................................................................................... 0
SINGLE-POINT GROUND SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................................0
TRADITIONAL TRUNKING IMPLEMENTATION DRAWING ............................................................................................................................. 0
TRADITIONAL CONNECTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION DRAWING ...................................................................................................................... 0
MULTI-POINT GROUND SYSTEM ..............................................................................................................................................0
CELLULAR RAISED FLOOR AND ZSRG (ZERO SIGNAL REFERENCE GRID) ............................................................................................... 0
CABLE TRAYS AND STGP (SIGNAL TRANSPORT GROUND PLANES) ........................................................................................................ 0
SIGNAL CONDUIT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 0
ISOLATION TRANSFORMER W IRING....................................................................................................................................................... 0
LIMITING OF HIGH VOLTAGE ....................................................................................................................................................0
HUMIDITY CONTROL ............................................................................................................................................................................ 0
FLOOR SURFACE CONDUCTIVITY .......................................................................................................................................................... 0
ELECTROSTATIC DRAIN PATHS ............................................................................................................................................................ 0
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................0
GROUNDING IN TECHNICAL FACILITIES TABLE OF CONTENTS
Date: 02/03/98
STATEMENT
Two forms or grounding are discussed here and comparisons made.
Although traditional earth bus with star and spur distribution (no loop) earthing has been proven with what are
now considered to be low frequencies (5MHz and below) digital systems are currently in operation in the
150MHz region for standard definition television. This will soon rise to 750MHz when large scale full bandwidth
high definition systems are implemented.
The signal systems associated with broadcast television video and audio signals can be compared to those of
the medical electronics profession.
Whereas television signals do not enter the realms of being life threatening if distorted or polluted with noise the
Broadcast Engineer can be in the realms of being severely threatened by his or her CEO.
GROUNDING IN TECHNICAL FACILITIES STATEMENT 1
Date: 02/03/98
INTRODUCTION and SUMMARY

The foIlowing discussion has been taken from the Engineering Standards and Vade Mecum and Facility
Construction Guidelines developed by The Convergence Company Limited.
This document addresses the problems associated with the development of facilities where very high
frequencies need to be drained to earth in order to produce a noise free environment.
GROUNDING IN TECHNICAL FACILITIES INTRODUCTION and SUMMARY 2
Date: 02/03/98
GROUNDING
Grounding requirements for Television Production facilities fall into the categories of:
Life Safety,
Electrical Noise Control and the
Limiting of High Voltage.
Although distinct in function the grounding systems that are implemented in a building servicing large technical
systems, such as those found within a television broadcast or production facility, are not separable.
An overall systems approach to the grounding requirements must be developed and universally adhered to as to
satisfactorily address Life Safety code regulations, equipment protection and electrical noise control
requirements. These multi-faceted requirements of Grounding often causes confusion and misapplication of
electrical codes and further, usually result in unsafe conditions and poor electrical noise control in large systems.
LIFE SAFETY GROUNDING

Fire Protection Refer to applicable local code regulations
Electrical Shock Avoidance - Refer to applicable local code regulations
GROUND FAULT PROTECTION

A shock hazard exists if a power conductor faults to a metallic equipment housing. If the housing is not at a low
impedance back to the overcurrent protection device the housing remains unsafe. To avoid this possibility, all
metal surfaces that may encounter a power conductor must be bonded together and connected back to the
building grounding electrode system via a low impedance path.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
Refer to applicable local Lightning Protection code regulations.
Lightning pulses can carry currents in excess of 100,000 amps. The best protection plan is one that provides a
convenient and direct path for the lightning current to flow to earth. This path must be deliberately designed and
installed with the intent purpose of providing a very low inductance for the lightning current. In addition to high
current flows within the building, magnetic fields developed by these current flows can induce currents into
electronic circuits. Shielding of circuit paths and maintaining low impedance bonding of the shielding system,
grounding grid system, building steel and the lightning protection grounding electrode system provides the best
overall protection. Separate non-bonded ground systems within the building can become sources of large
gradient potential differences and therefore must not be allowed to exist.
GROUNDING IN TECHNICAL FACILITIES GROUNDING 3
Date: 02/03/98
ELECTRICAL NOISE - CONTROL GROUNDING

It is imperative to note and to understand that electronic equipment does not require connection to any earth
ground to function properly (i.e., OB Truck systems running on generator power and Communication Satellites in
space function without an earth ground connection).
The principle task of a ground system designed to control electrical noise is to provide a grounding (no
connection to earth implied) platform that is common to all technical elements that operate within the system,
and one that equalises any and all potential differences across the platform throughout the full operating
frequency range of the equipment. The requirement to connect this ground platform to an earth ground is a Life
Safety and Building Code issue that must be addressed. The notion that the earth ground will "absorb" or "sink"
all noise currents is false. The laws of physics, in particular Kirchoffs Current Law, demand that currents
circulate and that what goes in (the earth) must come out.
Beyond the Life Safety considerations, noted above, within a Television Production facility the next priority in the
grounding system design must address that of Electrical Noise Control. This is a very difficult task due to
several operational parameters that co-exist in the systems that the grounding system is in place to protect and
aid.
First, the system is large. It will contain many signal paths, many of which contain unbalanced grounded paths.
Second, the base band operational frequencies of the in-building signal paths range from DC to over 30 MHz.
This is a very wide spectrum to protect from electrical noise intrusion, both externally and internally generated.
SINGLE-POINT GROUND SYSTEM

Traditional Trunking Implementation Drawing
TRADITIONAL TECHNICAL EARTH GROUNDING SYSTEM - BUSS STAR SPUR.
TDB
ALL TECHNICAL
RACKS, CONSOLES
AND MONITOR LIGHTING
STACKS MUST BE
ISOLATED FROM THE
FLOORING AND
BUILDING SURFACES OPERATOR
CONSOLE MONITOR STACK
IT
TELCO
LOCAL STAR
TECHNICAL AREA
LIGHTING
FORBIDDEN CROSSOVER
H&V
FORBIDDEN CROSSOVER LOCAL STAR
LIFTS
CANTEEN MAIN STAR
MOTORS
ETC
TECHNICAL EARTH
TECHNICAL POWER WITH EARTH
BUILDING EARTH
Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company 1998

BUILDING POWER WITH EARTH
Date: 02/03/98
Traditional Connectivity Implementation Drawing
TRADITIONAL TECHNICAL EARTH TRUNKING SYSTEM - BUSS SPUR.
ALL TECHNICAL OPERATOR

RACKS, CONSOLES CONSOLE MONITOR STACK
AND MONITOR
STACKS MUST BE
ISOLATED FROM THE
FLOORING AND
BUILDING SURFACES
LOCAL STAR
TECHNICAL AREA
IT
TELCO
LIGHTING
BUNDLE
H&V
NO DIRECT CONNECTIONS BETWEEN GREY

LIFTS
AREAS OR TO BUILDING GROUND MAIN STAR
CANTEEN
MOTORS
ETC
TECHNICAL EARTH
TECHNICAL POWER WITH EARTH
BUILDING EARTH
Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company 1998

BUILDING POWER WITH EARTH
Historically the typical approach in addressing electrical noise control in a Television Production facility has been
to utilize a Single-Point ground system (i.e., "Production Systems Ground", "Clean Ground" or "Technical
Ground"). Much of the noise present in a facility grounding system is usually traceable to the primary, 50 or 60
HZ, power system. Single-Point grounding can be very effective in controlling this situation and has been often
successfully employed in smaller systems. However, in a large installation a major disadvantage of the Single-
Point ground configuration is the requirement for long runs of the grounding conductor. These long runs (i.e.,
any ground run over 20 feet) prevent the realization of maintaining a satisfactory low impedance reference plane
at higher frequencies.
Longer runs of greater than 20 feet, up to 100 feet, can be achieved by using stranded earth cable to maximise
the surface area of the conductors. High frequencies migrate to the surface of a conductor. Multi stranded
cables allow these frequencies a larger area to flow so reducing their impedance to earth.
The key word here is impedance. Although the ground conductor may provide a low resistance path, noise
phenomena is minimal at DC. How the grounding conductor acts at higher frequencies, 50/60 HZ to 30 MHz
and above is the predominant concern.
The goal of the grounding system is to maintain low impedance throughout the entire 50/60 Hz to 30 MHz and
above frequency range and therefore the ground conductors inductance and capacitive coupling are a major
concern. No single conductor can drive a ground plane to be at the same potential at a remote ground point.
The only way this can be approached is to extend the ground plane, low impedance path to the remote point.
Date: 02/03/98
Impedance, Z, is the term used to describe the opposition to current flow when resistance, inductance and
capacitance are considered in combination and is expressed as
Z = R2 + ( X L + X C )
2
The inductive reactance, XL, developed by a Single-Point ground conductor is

X L = 2fL
Where C is the inductance of the cable and f is the frequency of concern.
The capacitance reactance, XC, developed by a Single-Point ground conductor is
1
XC =
2fC
Where C is the capacitance of the cable and f is the frequency of concern.
The key here is the effect that frequency has on the impedance.
For example,
The resistance of a #10 conductor is about 0.01 ohm per 10 feet (3 metres). Whereas its inductance is
about 3.5 H per 10 feet. At 1 MHz this is 22 ohms.
A 3/0 conductor has a resistance of about 0.0006 ohm per 10 feet, very low, but at 1 MHz its impedance is
18 ohms.
Thus heavy conductors are not the answer to low impedance for the grounding system. Multiple sets of
conductors and connections are required.
Further complicating a large Single-Point grounding system is the accumulative effect of stray capacitance
between conductors and the building. This effect on single conductors, at high frequencies, essentially renders
the grounding system useless.
A most noteworthy fact regarding the Single-Point technique is that under its "proper" implementation technique
it represents an electrical code violation in the United States and in most international communities.
Utilizing a single "Technical Ground" conductor connected to each rack and/or console requires that the
electrical safety ground to each equipment component in the system be disconnected to prevent loop currents.
This is not only a code violation but more importantly it creates a serious Life Safety defect in the Ground Fault
Protection system.
In order to rectify this violation a technical earthing spike must be driven near to the building ground. In most
countries these earth spikes are connected together at their proximity to meet regulations. (Although the
technical earth does not require connection to the building earth if the earth spike does meet life safety
regulations)
An additional consideration in applying a Single-Point grounding scheme is that strict attention must be paid
through all phases of installation, operation and maintenance to assure that the single-point configuration is
retained. This can become a very difficult task in a large facility manned by numerous personnel over a
prolonged period of time. Especially where several disciplines coincide, e.g. Broadcasters, Telcos, IT, etc.
Thus dependence upon a Single-Point Ground system for a large and complex technical facility, is not a sound
approach.
Date: 02/03/98
MULTI-POINT GROUND SYSTEM

The alternative approach to address electrical noise control in a Television Production facility is to utilise a multi-
point grounding system. This configuration establishes numerous conductive paths between system
components and sub-systems. As discussed above, the development of a ground platform that provides for
equalizing voltage potentials across the platform is a method that approaches that of a solid ground plane. It
also represents a more practical solution to grounding in a large facility since its guidelines for implementation
follow a common sense, logical approach and adhere closely to applicable electrical codes. Further, this
approach integrates Life Safety, the Limiting of High Voltage and Electrical Noise Control grounding
requirements.
The key elements of this multi-point grounding system are a Zero Signal Reference Grid, ZSRG, and Signal
Transport Ground Planes, STGPs. Implementing these grids and ground planes will form the basis of a quality
technical grounding system throughout the facility.
Facilities utilising areas of cellular raised flooring and cable tray systems for signal transportation, already
contains these key elements It is therefore a straight forward task to implement a successful multi-point ground
system.
Below, each element of the Multi-Point grounding system is discussed in detail as to how it should be installed
and utilised.
Also refer to the Figures for assistance.
Cellular Raised Floor and ZSRG (Zero Signal Reference Grid)

The cellular raised flooring system to be installed in the facility will provide the foundation for the ZSRG. The
chamber formed by the flooring system not only provides access to and a path for signal cables or as a
component of the facilities HVAC system as a supply or return air plenum, but it also provides the foundation for
the ZSRG. The Cellular flooring system, if correctly installed, can become the ZSRG or it can provide the space
for the installation of a sub-floor level ground grid system that provides the electrical function of the ZSRG.
Should the Cellular Flooring system be intended as the ZSRG it must be implemented utilizing bolted down
lateral support braces or stringers and it must be solidly connected to the facilities electrical ground system. This
connection requires that the Cellular Floor Pedestals be electrically bonded, every fourth pedestal will due, to the
facilities building grounding electrode system.
The preferred method is to install a sub floor grid system. The laid grid shall be made of #4 AWG (or equivalent)
bare copper conductor laid directly on the slab floor on 24 inch (600mm) centers electrically joined at their
intersections and around the perimeter. It shall extend under all areas of the raised flooring system.
Note: A new product line manufactured by Cadweld of Erico Products, Inca., Cleveland, Ohio is now available
using 26 AWG copper strips Cadwelded on 2 foot centers, This product line should be explored as a preferred
alternative.
Date: 02/03/98
ZSRG - ZERO SIGNAL REFERENCE GRID TECHNICAL EARTH GROUNDING SYSTEM
Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company Limited 1998

EQUIPMENT
RACKS
CABLE
PANELBOARD TRAY
DISTRIBUTION
SWITCHBOARD 2
9 2
m
600 m
7 2 8
2
5 10
TRANSFORMER 1
12
1 1
1
5
5 1
6 9 5
2 1
1 1
5 2
2 4
3
1 3 11
2 1 1
2
WATER
4 1
1 PIPE
3
1
1
2
11
CONDUIT 1
1
1 2
4
THE SIGNAL REFERENCE GROUND(SRG) SHALL BE 50 mm WIDE BY 4 mm THICK COPPER STRIPS

CONNECT EACH EQUIPMENT RACK, EQUIPMENT CONSOLE, AND OPERATOR CONSOLE TO THE SRG
1 (EQUIVALENT TO #4 AWG CONDUCTOR OR 26 AWG STRIPS) EXEOTHERMIC WELDED AT EACH 7 USING 2 LOW IMPEDANCE STRAPS.
5
INTERSECTION ON A 600mm SQUARE GRID
4 CONNECT A #4 SDBC CONDUCTOR BETWEEN CABLE TRAY AND ANY BUILDING STEEL OR LIGHTNING 1
2 CONNECT THE BUILDING GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO THE SRG USING #4/0 SDBC 8 PROTECTION DOWN CONDUCTOR WITHIN 1800 mm OR LESS OF THE CABLE TRAY.
CONNECTION KEY FOR
SDBC
EVERY 4th RAISED FLOOR SUPPORT PEDESTAL IN EACH DIRECTION MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE
(SOFT DRAWN BARE COPPER) 3 SRG USING A #6 SDBC CONDUCTOR. THE CONNECTION TO THE PEDSTAL AND THE SRG SHALL BE 6 9
EXEOTHERMICALLY WELDED. THE CONNECTION TO THE PEDESTAL SHALL BE MADE ABOVE THE
CONNECT EACH DISTRIBUTION SWITCHBOARD OR PANELBOARD TO THE SRG USING #4 SDBC 2
JACK SCREW. DETAILS ON SEPARATE DRAWING .
ALL CABLE TRAY TO BE MADE CONTINUOUS BY USING FLAT WASHER AND LOCKING WASHER
1 #6 SDBC (16 mm sq) ALL BUILDING STEEL, CONDUITS RACEWAYS, CABLE TRAYS, WATER PIPES, DUCTS, AND OTHER ASSEMBLY HARDWARE TO FORM A LOW IMPEDANCE PRESSURE CONNECTION. A #4 SDBC IS TO BE
4 METALLIC ITEMS ENTERING THE GRID AREA SHALL BE BONDED TO THE SRG USING #6 SDBC. ALL OF 1 10 ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CABLE TRAY EVERY 900 mm BY AN EXEOTHERMIC WELD AND 2
THESE ITEMS MOUNTED HRIZONTALLY SHALL BE BONDED AT BOTH ENDS. TO BOTH SIDES OF ANY JOINT. THIS CONDUCTOR MUST TERMINATED AT THE SRG AND BE ROUTED
2 #4 SDBC (25 mm sq) WITH EACH CABLE TRAY TO ITS DESTINATION.
3 #2 SDBC (35 mm sq) NEVER CONNECT ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT TO THE OUTER STRIPS OF THE . CONNECT
SRG
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AT LEAST 1800 mm INSIDE THE SRG. CONNECT ALL BUILDING STEEL, ALL CONDUIT AND PIPING MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE SRG USING PIPE CLAMP AND CONDUCTORS
5 CONDUITS, RACEWAYS, CABLE TRAYS, WATER PIPES, DUCTS AND OTHER METALLIC ITEMS TO THE 11 USING #6 SDBC. DETAILS ON SEPARATE DRAWING 1
4 #4/0 SDBC (95 mm sq) OUTER STRIP OF THE SRG AT THEIR ASSOCIATED INCOMING OR OUTGOING PENETRATION POINT.
5 LOW IMPEDANCE RISER CONNECT THE BUILDING STEEL CLOSEST TO THE EARTH BUS USING #2 SDBC. IF BUILDING STEEL IS
PROPER WIRING AND GROUNDING OF DISTRIBUTION SWITCHBOARDS MUST BE MAINTAINED.
6 NOT AVAILABLE IN THE AREA THEN MECHANICALLY BOND USING #2 SDBC CONDUCTOR TO AN 3 12 DETAILS ON SEPARATE DRAWING
ADJACENT 254 mm OR LARGER COPPER COLD WATER PIPE)
These rules should be followed:

The grid shall be bonded to building steel at all locations where steel support columns are adjacent to the
grid.
The grid shall be bonded to all electrical conduit and raceway that cross it.
The grid shall be bonded to all adjacent electrical distribution panels.
The grid shall be bonded to the building grounding electrode system.
All underfloor and overhead cable tray systems shall run contiguous to the grid and be bonded to the grid at
their point of origination at all intersections with the building steel and at the terminating end to adjacent
metal enclosures and/or junction boxes.
The cellular floor's support brackets shall be bonded to the grid every 4th support.
Upon the installation of equipment racks, equipment consoles and operator consoles, all units shall be bonded to
the grid.
This housings bonding shall utilise low impedance straps (Not Single Wire Conductors) and shall be
implemented using Bellvill washers with the connecting hardware as to maintain the pressure connection.
Further, each unit shall be connected to the grid using more than one connection point, This allows for loose
connections and further reduces the impedance of the connection.
Date: 02/03/98
ZSRG - ZERO SIGNAL REFERENCE GROUND - TYPICAL GROUNDING
CHANNEL TYPE
SUPPORT STEEL SIGNAL 3 1800 MM OR LESS
WITH ALL CABLES
THREADED RODS 2
TO STRUCTURAL
1800 2
CONCRETE MM O
R LE
SS
CEILING
2
4 GALVANISED
STEEL LADDER 2
CABLE TRAY
BUILDING
STEEL
2
1
FURNISH AND INSTALL A 25 mm2 SOFT-DRAWN BARE COPPER CONDUCTOR (SDBC) ON THE
EXTERIOR OF THE CABLE TRAY. FASTEN THIS CONDUCTOR TO THE EXTERIOR OFTHE CABLE TRAY
2
1 AT NE METRE INTERVALS WITH NYLON SELF-LOCKING TIE WRAPS. THE 25 mm2 CONDUCTOR SHALL
BE EXOTHERMICVALLY WELDED ON BOTH SIDED OF ALL CABLE TRAY JOINTS
S
FURNISH AND INSTALL A 25 mm2 SDBC CONDUCTOR BETWEEN THE CABLE TRAY AND ANY BUILDING
2
LES
STEEL OR LIGHTNING PROTECTION DOWN CONDUCTOR WITHIN 1800 mm OR LESS OF TH ECABLE

2 TRAY. THE 25 mm2 SDBC CONDUCTOR SHALL BE EXOTHERMICALLY WELDED BETWEEN THE 25 mm2
ELECTRONIC SDBC CONDUCTOR ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE CABLE TRAY AND THE BUILDING STEEL.
OR
EQUIPMENT ALL OPEN BOTTOM TYPE LADDER CABLE TRAYS SHALL HAVE 22-GAUGE GALVANISED SHEET STEEL
MM
LAID IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TRAY AND WELDED TO THE TRAY EVERY METRE (WIRE FED WELD). IF
RACKS 3
SOLID BOTTOM CABLE TRAY IS USED THEN THE 22-GAUGE GALVANISED SHEET STEEL IS NOT
1800
REQUIRED. THE CABLE TRAY SHALL BE ASSEMBLED USING A FLAT WASHER AND A SPLIT LOCK
2 WASHER WITH THE ASSEMBLY HARDWARE TO PROVIDE A HIGH PRESSURE, LOW RESISTANCE
CONNECTION.
A 22-GAUGE GALVANISED SHEET STEEL STRIP SHALL BE USED TO TRANSITION WITH THE SIGNAL
2 4
CABLES FROM THE CABLE TRAY TO THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RACK. THE SHEET STEEL STRIP
SGHALL BE AT LEAST 300 mm WIDE. THE STRIP SHALL BE FASTENED TO TH ECABLE TRAY AND THE
RACK WITH POP RIVETS AT THREE LOCATIONS AT EITHER END.
FURNISH AND INSTALL TWO LOW IMPEDANCE STRAPS FROM EACH ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RACK
TO THE SRG. THE LIR SHALL BE BOLTED TO THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RACK FRAME AND
5
5 EXOTHERMICALLY WELDED TO THE SRG. THE LENGTH OF LIR SHALL BE KEPT AS SHORT AS
POSSIBLE WITH NICE SWEEPING CURVATURE.
RAISED EXOTHERMICALLY WELD A 16 mm2 SDBC CONDUCTOR TO THE SRG AND RAISED FLOOR PEDESTAL
BUILDING FLOORING
BAS. EXTEND THE BASE END OF THE 16 mm2 CONDUCTOR UP TH EPEDESTAL AND ACROSS THE
JAVCK SCREW. BOND THE 16 mm2 CONDUCTOR TO THE UPPER PORTION OF THE PEDESTAL WITH A
1
6 STAINLESS STEEL WORM GEAR TYPE CLAMP. USE AN ANTI-OXIDANT PASTE AT THIS POINT
STEEL BETWEEN THE WIRE AND THE PEDESTAL. SECURE THE 16 mm2 CONDUCTOR TO THE PEDESTAL
WITH SELF-LOCKING NYLON TIE WRAPS.
EXOTHERMICALLY WELD A 16 mm2 SDBC CONDUCTOR TO THE SRG AND ALL EXPOSED BUILDING
1
7 STEELS.
5
5
7 5 5
CONNECTION KEY FOR
1 1 SDBC
(SOFT DRAWN BARE COPPER)
1
1 #6 SDBC (16 mm sq)

1 2 #4 SDBC (25 mm sq)
SIGNAL
REFERENCE 3 #2 SDBC (35 mm sq)
RAISED
GRID 4 #4/0 SDBC (95 mm sq)
FLOOR 6
(SRG) 5 LOW IMPEDANCE RISER
PEDESTAL
Cable Trays and STGP (Signal Transport Ground Planes)

The metal cable trays that will be utilised to transport signal cables throughout the facility will form the basis of
the STGP system. Proper installation of the trays is paramount to receive the benefits of cable transport
shielding and grounding.
All cable tray runs shall originate at the ZSRG. If the cable tray is destined for the ceiling space above the raised
flooring system, it must run contiguous from the ceiling space down a wall or chase and to the raised floor space
and the ZSRG. It shall then be bonded to the ZSRG.
The cable tray system implemented shall be listed by the manufacture for this electrical application. To maintain
low impedance throughout the trays run length, it shall be assembled utilizing Bellvill washers with the assembly
hardware as to maintain the pressure connections. Additionally all sections of the tray system shall be bonded
together. This should be accomplished by running a #4 AWG copper conductor in parallel with the tray and
electrically connecting each section to the conductor.
At terminating ends of the cable tray system, the cable tray shall follow the signal cables to the rack, console or
remote ZSRG where the signal cables will terminate and be bonded to the rack, console, ZSRG or junction box
at that location.
As cable trays are routed throughout the building they shall be bonded to any intersecting or adjacent building
steel, conduit, metal piping and metal race way.
If any tray sections pass within 6 feet (180Omm) of any lightning protection system conductors, the cable tray
shall be bonded to the lightning system ground conductor at that point.
Date: 02/03/98
Signal Conduit
In areas of the building where signal cables must terminate and it is impractical or impossible to complete the
run with cable tray, metal conduit shall be used. This conduit shall be connected and bonded to the cable tray
and/or the ZSRG at its point of origin, at all intersections with building steel and at the terminating end to
adjacent metal enclosures and/or junction boxes.
As signal conduits are routed throughout the building they shall be bonded to any intersecting or adjacent
building steel, other conduit, metal piping and metal race way.
Isolation Transformer Wiring
TECHNICAL GROUNDING - ISOLATION TRANSFORMER WIRING

OUTPUT FEEDER CONTAINED
TYPICAL DEDICATED ISOLATION TRANSFORMER IN METAL CONDUIT. 4-WIRE +E
EQUIPPED WITH ELECTROSTATIC SHIELDS A +IE AS SHOWN.
DELTA PRIMARY (INPU) AND A WYE CONNECTED ALL CONDUCTORS MUST BE
INPUT FEEDER SECCONDARY (OUTPUT) CARRIED IN THE SAME
CONTAINED IN MENTAL CONDUIT AND CAN ONLY BE
CONDUIT. 3-WIRE + E AS TERMINATED WITHIN THE
SHOWN. EQUIPMENT THE OUYPUT FEED
SHIELDS IS SERVING.
LINE 1
NEUTRAL
FROM AC SUPPLY TO LOAD

LINE 2
LINE 3
E E
IE
Weld
Mechanical E
M.O.D. standard SOLIDLY GROUND/BOND ALL
def stan 052. CONDUITS TO THE METAL
When bonding, use spring
washers, flat washers and a ENCLOSURE OF THE
star washer which bites into TRANSFORMER IA ALL CASES.
G
the copper strip. DO NOT USE INSULATION
ENCLOSURE
MECHANICAL FRAME OF
CONNECTION TRANSFORMER
AC SYSTEM TO FRAME 25 mm2
GROUNDING
ELECTRODE
CONDUCTOR IN METAL SIGNAL
WHEN A METAL CONDUIT
RACEWAY IS USED TO REFERENCE
ENCLOSE THE AC GRID
SYSTEM GROUNDING
ELECTRODE 95 mm2
16 mm2 BUILDING STEEL CLOSEST TO THE EARTH
CONDUCTOR, IT IS
BUS. IF BUILDING STEEL IS NOT AVALABLE IN
REQUIRED TO BE
THE AREA, THEN MECHANICAL BOND THE 95
GROUNDED/BONDED TO EARTH BUS BAR
MOUNTED ON WALL
mm2 CONDUCTOR TO AN ADJACENT 254 mm
THE ENCLOSURE 25 mm2 ADJACENT TO OR LARGER COPPER COLD WATER PIPE
CONDUCTOR EXACTLY TRANSFORMER
AS SHOWN
Date: 02/03/98
Technical and UPS Power Distribution

TECHNICAL AND UPS POWER DISTRIBUTION
STEPDOWN - ISOLATION
TECHNICAL CIRCUIT
MAIN SWITCHBOARD PANEL TRANSFORMER, POWER EQUIPMENT RACK OR CONSOLE
DISTRIBUTION PANEL
CONDITIONER OR UPS
IG POWER
DISTRIBUTION
STRIP
EQUIPMENT
LOAD BOLTED
TO RACK RAIL
METAL
WIREWAY
IG
RECEPTICAL RACK RAIL
G G
RACK - CONSOLE
STEEL BONDED
TO RACK RAIL
Date: 02/03/98
LIMITING OF HIGH VOLTAGE

The limiting of high voltage build up which will result in Electrostatic Discharge, EDS, is a very important
consideration in all areas of a Television Production and Broadcast facility because of the sensitivity of the
electronic circuits found throughout the building.
The average operational personnel is not sensitive to a discharge until it exceeds 8,000 to 10,000 volts, this level
of discharge wilt create a spark gap of about one-half an inch and contains approximately l/l00 of a Joule of
energy.
l/l000 af a Joule, 10 times less energy than can be felt in a discharge, is more than enough to destroy an
integrated circuit or to disrupt an electronic signal. Discharges in the range of 2,000 to 4,000 volts are not
perceivable to operational personnel but do contain sufficient energy to cause problems. Therefore, system
elements must be designed and implemented within the Studio facility to limit the build up of high voltages. The
following system elements will control EDS problems:
Humidity Control
Implement humidity control throughout the Television Production facility as to maintain the relative humidity at 50
%. At no time shall the interior relative humidity be allowed to fall below 40% or rise about 65%.
Floor Surface Conductivity

Floor surface conductivity is a controllable element which can prevent or limit the electrostatic build-up on
operational personnel and mechanical units that travel across them.
Nylon, Acrylic and Polyester carpets and Vinyl Asbestos tile must be avoided.
Carpeting, with low propensity to electrostatic build-up, containing conducting fibers and un-waxed pressure
laminates must be utilised.
Electrostatic Drain Paths

The most critical areas for controlling electrostatic build-up within the facility are those also serviced by the
cellular raised flooring system. By nature of its design and integration with the grounded ZSRG, this flooring
system will provide sufficient electrostatic drain paths provided that the cover material, carpeting and/or pressure
laminates are conducting and un-waxed, as discussed above.
Date: 02/03/98
REFERENCES
IEE Regulations
R.Mossison and W.H. Lewis, Grounding and Shielding in Facilities, John Wiley and Sons inc.,1990
U.S. Department of Commerce. FIPS Guideline on Electrical Power for ADP Installations, FIPS PUB 94.
GROUNDING IN TECHNICAL FACILITIES REFERENCES 13

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ENGINEERING

The True University Of These Days Is A Collection Of CD-ROMs

THE CONVERGENCE COMPANY LIMITED.

INTRODUCTION and SUMMARY

LIFE SAFETY GROUNDING

GROUND FAULT PROTECTION

ELECTRICAL NOISE - CONTROL GROUNDING

SINGLE-POINT GROUND SYSTEM

TRADITIONAL TECHNICAL EARTH GROUNDING SYSTEM - BUSS STAR SPUR.

CANTEEN MAIN STAR

TECHNICAL POWER WITH EARTH

Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company 1998

Traditional Connectivity Implementation Drawing

TRADITIONAL TECHNICAL EARTH TRUNKING SYSTEM - BUSS SPUR.

ALL TECHNICAL OPERATOR

NO DIRECT CONNECTIONS BETWEEN GREY

TECHNICAL POWER WITH EARTH

Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company 1998

The inductive reactance, XL, developed by a Single-Point ground conductor is

MULTI-POINT GROUND SYSTEM

Cellular Raised Floor and ZSRG (Zero Signal Reference Grid)

ZSRG - ZERO SIGNAL REFERENCE GRID TECHNICAL EARTH GROUNDING SYSTEM

Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company Limited 1998

THE SIGNAL REFERENCE GROUND(SRG) SHALL BE 50 mm WIDE BY 4 mm THICK COPPER STRIPS

These rules should be followed:

ZSRG - ZERO SIGNAL REFERENCE GROUND - TYPICAL GROUNDING

Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company Limited 1998

STEEL OR LIGHTNING PROTECTION DOWN CONDUCTOR WITHIN 1800 mm OR LESS OF TH ECABLE

1 #6 SDBC (16 mm sq)

Cable Trays and STGP (Signal Transport Ground Planes)

Isolation Transformer Wiring

TECHNICAL GROUNDING - ISOLATION TRANSFORMER WIRING

Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company Limited 1998

FROM AC SUPPLY TO LOAD

Technical and UPS Power Distribution

Guy Lakeman - The Convergence Company Limited 1998

LIMITING OF HIGH VOLTAGE

Floor Surface Conductivity

Electrostatic Drain Paths

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