FieldSmart
®
Fiber Active Cabinet (FAC) 400
Installation Manual
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Proprietary Information: Not for use or disclosure except by written agreement with Clearfield.
24
Ground Circuit Considerations
Following local codes and practices, install a ground circuit at the installation site. Consider the following factors when
constructing the ground circuit:
• The ground electrode(s) should be copper-clad steel at least 5/8-inch in diameter.
• The ground rod or pipe electrode(s) should have a minimum of 8 feet of direct contact with earth.
•
The wire connecting multiple electrodes should be bare copper sized per NEC, and should be buried at least 30 inches
deep or below the frost line (whichever depth is greater).
• The wire connecting multiple electrodes should be connected with an exothermic weld or irreversible mechanical con-
nector suitable for direct burial.
• The wire connecting the cabinet main ground bar to the initial ground electrode should be a 6 AWG or larger bare cop-
per ground wire.
•
The ground wire should enter the cabinet separated from power or copper transmission cables. Never bundle the
ground wire together with other copper cables.
• Connect the ground wire to the main ground bar.
•
Follow the PANI organization for all connections made to the equipment cabinet/enclosure ground bar as shown in
Clearfield documentation.
• Measurements of the site ground circuit should be conducted to gauge achievement of 5 Ohms or less.
Note:
You must install the cabinet’s connection to the earth ground circuit before you connect commercial power to the
cabinet.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors that may affect grounding conditions include:
• Type and size of an electrical surge; a lightning-induced current surge, voltage spike during an electrical storm, or static
build-up from power utility lines may overwhelm the earth ground.
• Wet soil provides low resistance ground, with resistance increasing as the soil dries. Rock, gravel, sand, loam and clay
react differently to wet/dry conditions.
Follow local code to satisfy additional requirements, if applicable.
