Alternative Grounding For Steel Hulls - KVH Industries TracPhone FB250 Installation Manual

Appendix C: Grounding and RF protection
C.5 Alternative grounding for steel hulls
The following guidelines assume a two-wire, isolated grounding
arrangement; that is no part of the circuit, in particular the battery negative, is
connected to any ground potential or equipment.
C.5.1 Grounding the terminal
The terminal must be grounded to the ship with the short antenna cable and
the Grounding kit (accessories). Further, the terminal must be grounded at its
grounding stud in order to ensure a proper grounding if the short antenna
cable is disconnected.
The ground connection can be established either at the hull (recommended)
or at a dedicated RF ground if available (alternative). However, bear in mind
that the antenna ground connection is to be made at the same electrical
ground potential as the terminal (see Grounding the antenna).
The terminal provides galvanic isolation (as required) from its input power
terminals to the chassis/grounding stud. This way the isolated grounding
arrangement is maintained.
C.5.2 Grounding the antenna
Terminal grounded at the hull (recommended)
In this case the antenna is grounded to the ship via one (or more) of its
mounting bolts. Make sure to remove painting, dirt, grease etc. at the
mounting holes in order to make good electrical contact to the hull. Use
serrated washers when securing the mounting bolts and seal the joint with
protective coating to avoid corrosion.
126

Alternative grounding for steel hulls