GROUNDING
A number of Bluewave antennas are supplied with integral feed-lines intended
for direct connection to surge protection or a radio system. To protect
the integrity of the antenna system we supply in these situations, we
do not recommend the installation of any coaxial penetrating grounding
devices.
The installation of any such device leaves the system compromised, open
to elements and seriously diminishes the in-service value of an integrated
factory-sealed feed-line which is impervious to the elements. Coaxial
ground wire clamps can also deform the coaxial cable resulting in a line
impedance mismatch by changing the outer diameter of the cable.
Bluewave antennas that have had their coaxial cable jackets compromised
for grounding purposes or that have had connectors changed in the field
will not be covered by our manufacturer's warranty.
We recommend two methods of grounding our antennas:
1) Use of lightning/surge suppressor
Surge protectors can be installed "in-line" with existing antennas,
between the antenna and radio jumper cable. The suppressor is environmentally
sealed and is connected using threaded connectors on both sides. For proper
operation the surge protector must be grounded – thus providing adequate
grounding for the antenna cable sheath. Surge suppressors are available
thru Bluewave that accommodate a ground wire, making a coaxial ground
clamp unnecessary.
2) Use of a ground block
A ground block is similar to a surge suppressor in that it provides a
place for a ground wire to be connected in line with the antenna –
in a non-penetrating manner. The ground block will simply provide a relatively
easy path to ground but will not suppress surges and will therefore leave
RF equipment vulnerable.
In tower installations or other situations where cable sheath bonding
is required, a coaxial penetrating grounding device may be used. However,
to maintain antenna integrity and Bluewave’s warranty, this device
should only be installed on jumpers. They should not be installed on cables
which form an integral part of the antenna.
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