We install Motorola Canopy wireless internet units on residences. They are totally isolated, floating, powered by the cat5 cable. They go on roofs and under eaves. They can be mounted on a total dielectric mounting. There is nothing on them that you can ground.
If you mount them to something metallic, then you have something to ground but it seems pointless since there is no bonding going on.
There are cat5 surge suppressors that can be installed as an "antenna discharge unit" but once installed generally cause multiple failures of the customers computer. If the unit is cabled directly in through a roof vent to the customer's computer failures are almost non existent. But any attempt to properly ground and bond things makes the system progressively less robust. I participate in several forums of users of the Motorola Canopy product. Almost all of the companies that install these devices or similar devices have anxiety over the same issues. Attempts to ground seems to cause equipment failure. You only have to have a customer's computer repaired a few times before you pull the discharge unit off the wall and throw it away.
I believe there was a proposal for things that have no metallic case or mount to not require any kind of grounding but I cannot find a reference to it.
Any suggestions as to code compliance would be most appreciated. Or if the code actually speaks to this subject, please point me in the right direction. If the code does not speak to this, I propose that it be considered. I would welcome direct dialog with any interested person:
Thanks.
(Moderator’s Note: Edited to remove email address. If you wish to send an email message to this person, then first send a Private Message via this Forum, and ask for the email address.)
If you mount them to something metallic, then you have something to ground but it seems pointless since there is no bonding going on.
There are cat5 surge suppressors that can be installed as an "antenna discharge unit" but once installed generally cause multiple failures of the customers computer. If the unit is cabled directly in through a roof vent to the customer's computer failures are almost non existent. But any attempt to properly ground and bond things makes the system progressively less robust. I participate in several forums of users of the Motorola Canopy product. Almost all of the companies that install these devices or similar devices have anxiety over the same issues. Attempts to ground seems to cause equipment failure. You only have to have a customer's computer repaired a few times before you pull the discharge unit off the wall and throw it away.
I believe there was a proposal for things that have no metallic case or mount to not require any kind of grounding but I cannot find a reference to it.
Any suggestions as to code compliance would be most appreciated. Or if the code actually speaks to this subject, please point me in the right direction. If the code does not speak to this, I propose that it be considered. I would welcome direct dialog with any interested person:
Thanks.
(Moderator’s Note: Edited to remove email address. If you wish to send an email message to this person, then first send a Private Message via this Forum, and ask for the email address.)
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