Grounding the Switch

About this task

The switch chassis is automatically grounded when you install the switch properly in a grounded rack with metal-to-metal connections between the switch and rack.

Alternatively, you can ground the chassis (this is required if the rack is not grounded) by attaching a customer-supplied grounding cable to the chassis grounding pad and the facility ground.

Warning: This equipment must be grounded. Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the equipment in the absence of a suitably installed ground conductor. Contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that suitable grounding is available. Statement 1024
Warning: When installing or replacing the unit, the ground connection must always be made first and disconnected last. Statement 1046

To connect the switch chassis to the facility ground, you need the following tools and materials:

  • Grounding lug—A two-holed standard barrel lug that supports up to 6 AWG wire. This lug is supplied with the accessory kit.

  • Grounding screws—Two M4 x 8 mm (metric) pan-head screws. These screws are shipped with the accessory kit.

  • Grounding wire—Not supplied with the accessory kit. This wire should be sized to meet local and national installation requirements. Depending on the power supply and system, a 12 AWG to 6 AWG copper conductor is required for the USA installations. We recommend that you use commercially available 6 AWG wire. The length of the grounding wire depends on the proximity of the switch to proper grounding facilities.

  • Number 1 manual Phillips-head torque screwdriver.

  • Crimping tool to crimp the grounding wire to the grounding lug.

  • Wire stripping tool to remove the insulation from the grounding wire.

Procedure

  1. Use a wire stripping tool to remove approximately 0.75 in. (19 mm) of the covering from the end of the grounding wire.
  2. Insert the stripped end of the grounding wire into the open end of the grounding lug, and use a crimping tool to crimp the lug to the wire. Verify that the ground wire is securely attached to the grounding lug by attempting to pull the wire out of the crimped lug.
  3. Secure the grounding lug to the chassis grounding pad with two M4 screws, and tighten each screw to 11.5 to 15 in-lb (1.3 to 1.7 N·m) of torque.
  4. Prepare the other end of the grounding wire and connect it to an appropriate grounding point in your site to ensure an adequate earth ground for the switch. If the rack is fully bonded and grounded, connect the grounding wire, as explained in the documentation provided by the vendor from whom you bought the rack.