Grounding & Lightning Arrestor Installation

The Lightning Arrestors to use are the DC-passing arrestors for use in IDU-ODU co-axial cable feeds. It is intended for use at building entry, where it can be either bulkhead-mounted on the metal wall-feed-through plate, or located just inside the building cable entry way.

Arrestor Installation

Follow the mounting and connection instructions found with the Lightning Arrestor*

Bulkhead Installation Procedure: Grounded Copper Feed-through Plate
For a properly grounded copper plate, which is the external entry way ground point for the site,the ground wire is not required.
a) Carefully knock-out or drill for an N connector in the wall feed-through
plate.
b) Install the lightning arrestor per instructions using the feed-through
plate.
c) Trim the ODU cable to length, fit an N male connector, and attach to the
lightning arrestor.
d) Weatherproof the external N connector assembly using mastic and vinyl tape.
e) Install a jumper cable from the lightning arrestor to the indoor radio unit.

Bulkhead Installation Procedure: Non-grounded / Non-master Feed-through Plate
For a feed-through plate that is not providing the external entryway ground bar function
(copper/aluminum plate or similar), the lightning arrestor ground wire must be installed.
a) Carefully knock-out or drill a hole for an N connector in the wall
feed-through plate. Where provided, select a knockout with flats.
b) Install the lightning arrestor per the instructions that are packaged
with the lightning arrestor*. Ensure the ground wire cable is routed
down.
c) Trim the ground wire to length so there is just a little slack in the
wire when connected to the external ground bar. Fit the crimp lug
supplied and firmly bolt to the ground bar.
d) Weatherproof the external N connector assembly using mastic and
vinyl tape.
e) Install a jumper cable from the lightning arrestor to the indoor IDU.

Building Entry Installation of the ULA
a) Determine where the lightning arrestor is to be located. This must be just inside the building,and as close as practical to the entry point – within 1m (3ft) of entry. The location must ensure the body of the unit will not be in electrical contact with a cable tray or similar support structure.
b) Fit the lugged end of the ground wire to the N-female end of the lightning arrestor and securely fasten using the star washer and
nut supplied.
c) Trim the ODU cable to length, fit an N male connector, and attach to the ground-wire end of the lightning arrestor.
d) Trim its ground wire so there is just a little slack in the wire when
connected to the master ground bar or external ground bar. Fit the crimp lug supplied and firmly bolt to the ground bar. (Where possible connect to the external entryway ground bar surge-related grounds should go directly to the external ground bar).
e) Install a jumper cable from the lightning arrestor to the indoor radio unit.

Weatherproofing

Connectors exposed to the weather must be weatherproofed. First, apply a layer of vinyl tape to facilitate easy strip-back of weatherproofing when required. Follow with mastic tape using not
less than a 50% overlay. This provides the weather-tight seal. The mastic tape must be applied so that it bonds directly onto the primary surface at both ends of the wrap. For bulkhead mounted connectors, the mastic tape must extend at least 50mm (2”) onto the cable sheath,and be formed/molded up against the feed-through plate. Where the ULA ground wire is fitted,ensure the mastic provides a weather-tight seal around the ground wire lug and up to at least
50mm (2”) onto the wire sheath. Finish with a wrap of vinyl tape to provide UV protection for the mastic. Do not stretch the final few turns to avoid wind-back. Firmly smooth over to ensure a good bond.
Apply copper-based protective grease around the nut/bolt/lug of the ground-bar end of external ground wires.

Note – 2nd Lightning Arrestor @ ODU
Mounting a second lightning arrestor and grounding it to the tower structure at the ODU is
optional. Only in those locations where extensive and repetitive lightning strikes occur, would this second arrestor be of significance.
*Recommend REGA® or equivalent