SIDACtor
Data Book
Telecommunications Protection
Teccor Electronics
(972) 580-7777
5 - 19
T
Overview
Because early telecommunications equipment was constructed with components such
as mechanical relays, coils, and vacuum tubes, it was somewhat immune to lightning
and power cross conditions. But as cross bar and step by step switches have given
way to more modern equipment such as digital loop carriers, repeater amplifiers, and
multiplexers, an emphasis has been put on protecting this equipment against system
transients.
System Transients
Telecommunications equipment connected to power and telephone cables is exposed
to system transients caused by lightning and power cross conditions.
During an electrical storm, transient voltages are induced onto the telecommunications
system by lightning currents which enter the conductive shield of suspended cable or
through buried cables via ground currents.
As this occurs, the current traveling through the conductive shield of the cable
produces an equal voltage on both the Tip and Ring conductors at the terminating
ends. Known as a longitudinal voltage surge, the peak value and wave-form
associated with this condition is dependent upon the distance the transient travels
down the cable and the materials with which the cable is constructed.
Although lightning induced surges are always longitudinal in nature, imbalances
resulting from terminating equipment and asymmetric operation of primary protectors
can result in metallic transients as well. A Tip to Ring surge is normally seen by
terminating equipment and is the primary reason most regulatory agencies require
telecom equipment to have both longitudinal and metallic surge protection.
Another system transient that is a common occurrence for telecommunications cables
is exposure to the AC power system. The common use of poles, trenches, and ground
wires results in varying levels of exposure which can be categorized as direct power
cross, power induction and ground potential rise.
Direct power cross occurs when a power line makes direct contact to a
telecommunications cables. Direct contact is commonly caused by falling trees, winter
icing, severe thunderstorms and vehicle accidents. Direct power cross can result in
large currents being present on the line.
Power induction is common where power cables and telecommunications cables are
run in close proximity to one another. Electromagnetic coupling between the cables
results in system transients being induced onto the telecommunications cables which
in turn can cause excessive heating and fires in terminal equipment located at the
cable ends.
Ground potential rise is a result of large fault currents flowing to ground. Due to the
varying soil resistivity and multiple grounding points, system potential differences may
result.