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2-11
Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Hardware Installation Guide
OL-25338-04
Chapter 2 Installing the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches
Grounding the Switch
Proper Grounding Practices
Grounding is one of the most important parts of equipment installation. Proper grounding practices
ensure that the buildings and the installed equipment within them have low-impedance connections and
low-voltage differentials between chassis. When you properly ground systems during installation, you
reduce or prevent shock hazards, equipment damage due to transients, and data corruption. Table 2-2
lists some general grounding practice guidelines.
Tab l e 2-2 Proper Grounding Guidelines
Environment
Electromagnetic Noise
Severity Level Grounding Recommendations
Commercial building is
subjected to direct lightning
strikes.
For example, some places in the
United States, such as Florida,
are subject to more lightning
strikes than other areas.
High All lightning protection devices must be
installed in strict accordance with
manufacturer recommendations.
Conductors carrying lightning current
should be spaced away from power and
data lines in accordance with applicable
recommendations and codes. Best
grounding recommendations must be
closely followed.
Commercial building is located
in an area where lightning
storms frequently occur but is
not subject to direct lightning
strikes.
High Best grounding recommendations must be
closely followed.
Commercial building contains a
mix of information technology
equipment and industrial
equipment, such as welding.
Medium to high Best grounding recommendations must be
closely followed.
Existing commercial building is
not subject to natural
environmental noise or
man-made industrial noise. This
building contains a standard
office environment. This
installation has a history of
malfunctions due to
electromagnetic noise.
Medium Determine source and cause of noise if
possible, and mitigate as closely as possible
at the noise source or reduce coupling from
the noise source to the affected equipment.
Best grounding recommendations must be
closely followed.