Lightning Protection

Cabling-Design.com FREE cabling and networking Helpdesk

	Question by Toti Lopez posted 07 Jun 2005
	Lightning Protection
Hi, Is it possible to ground CAT5 cable without the use of a surge protector for lightming protection? Thanks
	Answer by Dmitri Abaimov posted 09 Jun 2005
Dear Toti, The short answer is No. You DO NOT ground the pairs of a CAT5e (CAT6) cable, they are supposed to be disconnected from the ground plane at all times. You have to use specialized high-frequency lightning arrest devices to protect your outside network connections. Note that in this case you may or may not be able to use these cables for phones as they are designed for passing frequencies much higher that those that phones operate at. Check with the lightning protector manual before you plan using it for both voice and data at the same time. Sincerely, Dmitri Abaimov, RCDD
Click here to see the expert's profile

Back to the current page of questions | Back to all the questions

Back to Cabling-Design.com HELPDESK | Ask your question