Installing Ground Electrode on Coastline or Island - AWS310 - AWS310-SITE - AWS430 - FOC201 - RME111 - RWCC - RWS200

Grounding and Lightning Protection in Vaisala Outdoor Installations Technical Reference

Document code
M211786EN
Revision
B
Language
English
Product
AWS310
AWS310-SITE
AWS430
FOC201
RME111
RWCC
RWS200
Document type
User guide

Use horizontal electrodes for installations near coastline or on an island. Salty seawater provides for low impedance grounding.

  • Use bronze, copper, and stainless steel.
  • To lower impedance, use two ground electrodes if possible.
  • Use electrodes that are at least 2 … 3 m (6.6 … 10 ft) long.
  • Route the ground electrodes from the grounding connector at the mast base to the most desirable direction towards the sea.
  • Attach the electrodes to a fixed point if seas are rough or there is a risk of ice formation.
  • Make sure the electrode remains submerged all the time, even during low tide and other sea level variations.
  • Check the equipment regularly for corrosion. Even the slightest amount of leakage current flowing from the equipment to the ground causes the electrode to corrode very fast.

In freshwater, use a somewhat longer submerged electrode, 5 … 10 m (16 … 33 ft).