Communication System Equipment Location & Grounding

OSHA outlines requirements for communication system equipment location and grounding within tunnels.

Equipment Location

Outdoor metal structures supporting antennas, as well as self-supporting antennas, like vertical rods, must be located as far away from overhead conductors of electric light and power circuits of over 150 volts to ground as necessary to avoid the possibility of the antenna or structure falling into or making accidental contact with the circuits.

Grounding

The metal sheath of aerial cables entering a building must be grounded or interrupted close to the entrance to the building by an insulating joint or equivalent device if exposed to contact with electric light or power conductors. If present, protective devices must be grounded. Masts and metal structures supporting antennas must be permanently and effectively grounded without splice or connection in the grounding conductor. Transmitters must be enclosed in a metal frame or grill or separated from the operating space by a barrier, with all metallic parts grounded. External metal handles and controls that are accessible to the operating personnel must also be grounded. Unpowered equipment and enclosures must be considered grounded where connected to an attached coaxial cable with a grounded metallic shield.

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