Protect data lines locally
Generally, the biggest risk to data, signal, telecom and network
wiring is associated with cables that enter and leave the building.
These should always be protected. However, data cables within
a building can additionally have transients induced on to them
when loops between data and power cables 'pick up' voltages
from the magnetic field caused by a lightning strike.
BS 6651:1999 Appendix C advocates the use of metal in the structure,
and a Faraday cage lightning protection scheme to help exclude
magnetic fields. Cable management practices eliminate loops
by routeing data and power cables along the same general path.
In these cases, the need for local data line protection is minimal.
However, where these steps are not possible, data line protection,
local to the equipment requiring protection, should be considered. |
