Ground Path - ETC DataTrack Planning And Installation Manual

Ground Path

The ground path must be continuous with no interruptions. A ground path can cross itself any number
of times. Continuity is the sole concern in planning a DataTrack or DataTrack Backbone ground path.
Note:
The following illustrations show examples of ground paths. These drawings are plan views, showing
the track system as if you were looking at it from above.
L-coupler
ground inside
L-coupler
ground inside
CAUTION:
6
There are a variety of configurations that can be assembled using the available
couplers. However, couplers only fit into track in one orientation. The data
connection of the coupler must mate with the data connection of the track. This is
important to keep in mind when choosing couplers (ground left versus ground right,
ground inside versus ground outside).
Key: ground
L-coupler
ground inside
L-coupler
ground inside
Figure 2: Simple ground path system
T-coupler
ground inside, right
Ground Path
T-coupler
ground inside, left
Figure 3: Advanced ground path system
These figures show a continuous ground path within the track system. If any
of the couplers shown in these examples were replaced with an outside
ground model, the ground path would be broken and the track would not be
properly grounded (and the couplers would not fit within the track).
coupler
location
L-coupler
ground inside
Ground Path
L-coupler
ground inside
T-coupler
ground inside, right
T-coupler
ground inside, left
DataTrack/DataTrack Backbone System Planning and Installation Manual
track
L-coupler
ground inside
L-coupler
ground inside