RF Surge Protectors

Lightening and power surges are the biggest threat to communication equipment like radio and TV antennas. Without the proper protection, a single lightening strike can travel through the coaxial cable, damage connected devices and possibly cause a fire or electric shock to surrounding people. Static charge build up and near miss lightening strikes can also create power surges and damage equipment. Installing an in-line surge protector in the path from the antenna to the signal booster disconnects the circuit in the event of a power surge.

RF surge protectors (lightning surge arrestors, lightning surge protectors or surge suppressors) are designed to protect radio and antenna installations from a power surge caused by lightning while still allowing the desired frequency to pass through the cable. Some RF surge protectors also provide protection from electromagnetic pulse or high-altitude electromagnetic pulse related electrical changes.

RF surge protectors are composed of a gas discharge tube (GDT) housed between coaxial terminals and connectors. This allows them to be mounted at the coaxial entry point of a radio site or at the base of an antenna. Grounding is provided by using a screw terminal. When a power surge occurs, the GDT shorts the line, diverting the surge through the GDT to ground.

Grounding vs. Surge Protection Grounding is the first step in lightening protection. Antennas should be ground bonded to the tower they are on and the tower should be bonded to a ground rod buried at the base of the tower. When a lightening strike occurs, the surge will travel into the ground. The lightening will also follow the coax cable into the connected devices. Surge protection devices can be installed in-line of the coax to break the connection when a sudden surge travels across them protecting the  connected devices and equipment.