GASMAX/TX Operation & Maintenance Manual, Revision 1.0
Page 18
instead of into the connection, reduces installation strain and provides spare cable length in case later the
original connectors need to be replaced.
Avoid installing coax cables together in long parallel paths. Leakage from one cable to another has a
similar effect as mounting an antenna near another antenna.
SURGE PROTECTION & GROUNDING
Voltage surges primarily enter the GASMAX/TX via the antenna connection as a result of electrical
discharge in the atmosphere. Electrical energy follows the most direct path to earth and the best
protection is achieved by “draining” the surge energy to earth via an effective earth ground. Wireless
devices should have a solid connection to earth via a ground stake or ground grid if the soil has poor
conductivity. Solid connection means a large capacity conductor (not a small wire) with no coils or sharp
bends. All other devices connected to the GASMAX/TX, such as remote sensors, should be grounded to
the same ground point is possible. There can be significant resistance between different ground points
leading to very large voltage differences during lightning activity. As many wireless units are damaged by
earth potential surges due to incorrect grounding as direct surge voltage.
It is very difficult to protect against direct lightning strikes but the probability of a direct strike at any one
location is very small. Unfortunately, power line surges and electromagnetic energy in the air can induce
high voltage surges from lightning activity several miles away.
