Appendix C: Grounding Requirements
Proper grounding is fundamental for the MERLIN Plus Communications
System for protection against:
●Lightning
●Power surges
●Power crosses on Central Office (CO) lines
●Static discharge
BEFORE YOU TURN THE | Check the following considerations before you turn the power on for the |
POWER ON | MERLIN Plus system. |
Grounding Requirements
The control unit, the CO line protector, and the ac power service panel should be as close to each other as possible. The adequacy of lightning protection is a direct function of the distance between these pieces of equipment.
Recognizing that equipment may be spread throughout a building, the National Electric Code requires that the ground point for the CO line protector must be bonded to the ac power ground. Proper grounding helps prevent equipment damage due to lightning energy and/or power transients conducted into the equipment via CO and ac power lines.
CO Line Protector Tests
The following tests verify proper grounding and bonding of the CO line protector. These tests should be performed on every new installation. You will need a
CAUTION: This test procedure is for experienced technicians only— do not perform this or any other electrical measurement unless you have the proper training and experience. You may prefer that a properly certified electrician perform this procedure.
WARNING: Hazardous voltages that may cause death or injury are present during the following tests. Use great care when working with ac power line voltages.
At the common equipment location:
1Set the VOM to the scale on which you can read 115 VAC.
2Measure ac outlet voltages as follows:
●Hot to third wire (green wire)
●Neutral to third wire
NOTE: Any circuit tester, such as the IDEAL EZ CHECK circuit tester (IDEAL Industries, INC., model 61035), may be used instead of the VOM to determine whether or not an outlet is wired properly.
If the voltages measured are not as required in this step, inform the customer that he must have his electrician install a dedicated, properly grounded ac outlet.
