Nortel Networks Option 11C Mini manual Ground bus isolation Canada and the United States

Page 50 of 332 Chapter 3 — System and site requirements

Ground bus isolation (Canada and the United States)

According to the exception to article 384-20 in the United States National Electrical Code (NEC), a panel’s ground bus can be isolated from the housing. This exception applies provided that the panel is not at the main service entrance. This exception applies to some Canadian locations also. For more information about ground bus isolation, refer to local electrical codes.

CAUTION

Do not isolate the ground bus from the housing unless permitted by local electrical codes. Do not perform work inside electrical panels unless you are a qualified electrician. Do not try to remove bonding conductors without approval from qualified personnel.

CAUTION

Route ground conductors, between supply panels, through the same conduit as the supply conductors. This safety requirement is part of both the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC).

Single Point Grounding (SPG)

Correct grounding of communications systems is necessary for protecting equipment from the hazards of surge and noise interference. The Single Point Grounding (SPG) method of protecting communications equipment is the Nortel Networks standard for Meridian 1 systems.

The requirements for Single Point Grounding are in the following major categories: Safety, Protection, EMC, Installation and Maintenance, Powering, and Advances in Technology.

Safety

For a safe working environment, your grounding system must be able to dissipate unwanted surge energies, such as lighting on the outside plant. The grounding system must be designed so that fuse or breakers operate to disrupt the excessive current flow caused by a power fault.

553-3021-209 Standard 3.00 April 2000