Cable and Data System Surge Protection

It is relatively easy to run cable and data lines to and from video and network equipment; however, correctly surge protecting and grounding these lines require a systems integrator’s understanding of how to coordinate a Transient Protection Design (TPD) surge protection system. When multiple breaker panels or structures are involved, these systems become more complex to surge protect and ground. An unprotected or incorrectly grounded cable or data wire in one system can allow ground potentials to migrate to other cable and data systems producing large scale damage across the whole system during a lightning strike. Tens of thousands of dollars in damage can happen with one lightning strike, and it is very often due to an unprotected or incorrectly grounded data wire.

The National Electric Code states, at minimum, cable and data lines that come into a building must be grounded to the main service power panel ground. Grounding at the main service power panel gives equipment a single ground reference point for cable, data, and power in the building. The potential for damage increases as cable and data lines are distributed to multiple buildings. It is common that unprotected or incorrectly grounded cable and data wires are the cause of failure in multiple electronic devices during a lightning strike.

Any attempt to protect cable and data systems should begin with an audit and correction, if necessary, of what the previous satellite and cable providers have done. By applying TPD surge protection products on incoming and outgoing cable and data lines, you can be assured that you are doing everything possible to achieve maximum performance and lifespan of the system. All TPD recommendations are backed by the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers for protecting and ground of sophisticated electronics.

For Cable Protection:
TPD-CABLE

For Data Protection:
TPD-CAT6