Surge Protection For Cell Installations
Read More: https://www.raycap.com/cellular-site-surge-protection-systems/
Investing in their network is of utmost importance to a cellular provider. As the latest technological features become available, users realize that they can only have a good experience with these features if their network can handle them. For the most part, this means the fastest transfer speeds that are available, being accessible via cell installations that are nearby. This translates to users needing to be surrounded by 4G/5G network installations, every one of which costs tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. This incredible rollout of new equipment into the field may be able to be met with very slight price increases for customers but ultimately, customers cannot have monthly bills so high that they cannot afford them. The cellular network providers must remain competitive with their technology and prices, or customers will quickly move to a different company. This means that network providers must protect the equipment they have put into use from as many different forms of damage as possible. By analyzing the most significant risks, they can develop solutions to protect against the damage those risks can inflict. One of the greatest threats to cellular equipment in the field is lightning strikes and the power surges that follow them. The lightning strike is challenging to avoid, as the cell installations are often the tallest structure in a region. Lightning follows the path of least resistance to the Earth, meaning that the cell towers and installations that are purposefully positioned in unobstructed areas are usually the spots that will be struck. This damages equipment at the strike point, which is generally the top of the tower, impacting the equipment placed there. Even if the strike does not hit the cell tower directly, even a nearby lightning strike can travel to a cell site and wreck damage. While this damage is already placing stress on the bottom lines, the added complication of the damage caused by the lightning power surge makes profitability difficult. A power surge travels along the structure and the power cables that join the equipment on the tower site. The surge overwhelms these components at the circuit level, causing additional damage that can be eliminated if adequate surge protection is in place. By blocking the pathways that surges can follow, surge protection equipment “gets in the way” of the electrical flow as soon as it exceeds a range safe for that equipment. Installing effective surge protection diverts the surge and saves the components. Through this type of protection, the damage from the inevitable lightning strike can be minimized, allowing for faster restoration to operational status and a lower cost associated. This enables cell networks to keep their pricing within reason for ordinary citizens and supports cell customers loyal to the provider. All users can access the latest and greatest technology through effective surge protection.
