Connecting to the Ground System

About this task

To connect the ground system, you need the following tools and materials:

  • Grounding lug-A two-hole standard barrel lug. Supports up to 6 AWG wire. Supplied as part of accessory kit.
  • Grounding screws-Two M4 x 8mm (metric) pan-head screws. Supplied as part of the accessory kit.
  • Grounding wire-Not supplied as part of accessory kit. The grounding wire should be sized according to local and national installation requirements. Depending on the power supply and system, a 6 AWG copper conductor is required for U.S. installations. Commercially available 6 AWG wire is recommended. The length of the grounding wire depends on the proximity of the switch to proper grounding facilities.
    Note: For safety on a ground fault, we recommend that you should avoid using a grounding wire that is smaller than the power wire. The grudging wire must be sized to meet local and national standard for installation requirements.
  • No. 1 Phillips screwdriver.
  • Crimping tool to crimp the grounding wire to the grounding lug.
  • Wire-stripping tool to remove the insulation from the grounding wire.

After you install the system ground lug, follow these steps to correctly attach the ESD wrist strap:

Procedure

  1. Attach the ESD wrist strap to bare skin as follows:
    1. If you are using the ESD wrist strap supplied with the FRUs, open the wrist strap package and unwrap the ESD wrist strap. Place the black conductive loop over your wrist and tighten the strap so that it makes good contact with your bare skin.
    2. If you are using the ESD wrist strap supplied with the FRUs, open the wrist strap package and unwrap the ESD wrist strap. Place the black conductive loop over your wrist and tighten the strap so that it makes good contact with your bare skin.
    3. If you are using an ESD wrist strap equipped with an alligator clip, open the package and remove the ESD wrist strap. Locate the end of the wrist strap that attaches to your body and secure it to your bare skin.
  2. Grasp the spring or alligator clip on the ESD wrist strap and momentarily touch the clip to a bare metal spot (unpainted surface) on the rack. It is recommended that you touch the clip to an unpainted rack rail so that any built-up static charge is then safely dissipated to the entire rack.
  3. To plug the strap into the port (and alternatively clip an alligator clip onto the grounding lug screws) attach either the spring clip or the alligator clip to the ground lug screw.
    1. If you are using the ESD wrist strap that is supplied with the FRUs, squeeze the spring clip jaws open, position the spring clip to one side of the system ground lug screw head, and slide the spring clip over the lug screw head so that the spring clip jaws close behind the lug screw head.
      Note: The spring clip jaws do not open wide enough to fit directly over the head of the lug screw or the lug barrel.
    2. If you are using an ESD wrist strap that is equipped with an alligator clip, attach the alligator clip directly over the head of the system ground lug screw or to the system ground lug barrel.
    3. Follow these additional guidelines when handling modules:
      • Handle carriers by available handles or edges only; avoid touching the printed circuit boards or connectors.
      • Place a removed component board-side-up on an antistatic surface or in a static shielding container. If you plan to return the component to the factory, immediately place it in a static shielding container.
      • Never attempt to remove the printed circuit board from the metal carrier.
      CAUTION:
      For safety reasons, check the resistance value of the antistatic strap periodically. The measurement should be between 1 and 10 megohm (Mohm).