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29 Aug, 2022

We are in a data-driven world where umpteen breakthroughs and technological evolutions have taken place to meet the importance of high-speed networking and telecommunication services. Reliable network technology that can provide high-speed data transmission and uninterrupted service would seek adequate protection from electrical faults.

In this blog, let's understand the fundamental requirements for protecting telecommunications stations, towers and equipment from lightning and surges.

Why to Establish Dependable and Uninterrupted Network Service:

Upsurging demand for the 5G platform calls for highly developed technology that can effectively transmit higher data. The whole universe is clutched together by scalable and multi-dimensional networking infrastructure hence, and the resulting network availability must be excellent.

Implementing 5G technology brings along potential risk and hazards that can hamper the capabilities of this later-generation technology. They are highly sensitive systems that will, when hit by an electrical fault, can cause service interruption or failure, which can become an expensive deal for the telecom company and the end user.

Simple Yet Competent Electric Safety Measures for the Telecom Sector:

The current generation of network technology in demand is the 5th generation, as the capabilities of this latest generation are very high compared to previous generations (2G, 3G or 4G). To cope with the increasing demand, telecom services providers are installing and setting up more 5G stations and towers.

The protection provision should be important to ensure optimum protection of sensitive equipment and continued system availability. Lightning and electric surges can guilelessly hit telecom towers as they are tall structures mostly made of conducting material.

Moreover, at the highest elevation, we have sensitive electronic devices like radomes, dishes, antennas, etc., which can create irretrievable damages if targeted by direct or indirect lightning strikes. Okay, so let's look at the solution JMV applies to various telecom sectors to mitigate such electric hazards.

1. Effective protection of radio towers/ mast - Direct lightning strikes in the tower zone can cause damage to the tower and the communication equipment placed on those towers. Exposure to such a hostile environment is a serious matter of concern; hence, the cell sites are analysed to understand the electric parameters that cause such severe damage. Further, a set of conducting equipment installed on the highest point on the mast to effectively intercept the lightning strokes and dissipate them to the ground through an earthing electrode.

Earthing or grounding systems being the essence and base of every electric network, should be a maintenance-free earthing system efficacious enough to dissipate the faults occurring to the ground.

2. Protection of sensitive and critical equipment on the electric network against indirect/ secondary lightning impact – Vulnerable to excessive voltage pulses, power line equipment, telecom line equipment and coaxial line need to be properly protected with well-coordinated surge protection devices. Surge protection devices must comply with IEC standards, IEC 62305 and IEC 61643, and an effective grounding network.

For complete protection, along with the lightning arrester and down conductor network - AC power, DC power, Signalling, Data and Coaxial surge protection technologies need to be incorporated.

Related Post: Most Common Electrical Problems

Now that the 5th generation technology adopted by companies is replacing the older network technologies, JMV is researching how to enhance the safety provision, ensuring even more reliable and high-quality communication. With our expertise merging our long-standing experience, we shall continue to deliver comprehensive commentary and recommendations for safety installations as per the latest standards. We appreciate you peeping into our website for all the latest updates and blogs on such quintessential technology.