By: Ken Michaels, RTPM, TBE, CPQE, CT
Has anyone ever told you that 'current takes the path of least resistance'? Would it surprise you to know that this is 100% false? (Hint: parallel circuits.)
Have you been told that electrical current moves at the speed of light? False! (And I mean, WAY FALSE!) Do you sometimes hear people comment that 'increasing the size of the wire improves the bonding infrastructure'? Yep, you guessed it...false, again.
Many of the anecdotal terms and solutions for the power, grounding, and bonding within the telecommunications industry are rooted in the myths of how electricity works. The terms 'voltage', 'current', 'resistance', and 'impedance' are just a few of the terms that we need to understand to provide a well-designed, properly installed, and highly effective telecommunications infrastructure.
Would it also surprise you to know that little electrical fundamental training is given to the telecommunications industry? The pace at which technology is advanced is outpacing our ability to be trained on the basics that are the foundation for all we do. Someday, someone will look over their shoulder and say, 'Where the heck is the expertise that understands how this actually works?'
Today, many people are finding out that understanding electrical basics will provide the knowledge on everything from AC and DC power systems to structured cabling signals. To determine if your team needs additional training, some companies ask the following questions of their skilled labor:
If a consistent answer is not provided, it is usually time for an electrical fundamentals 'refresher'.
If you're looking for more information on this subject, ICT Training Group has several grounding and bonding courses, including unique 'hands-on' classes to meet your training needs. If you do not see a course that covers your installation requirements, please contact us for information on putting together a custom solution to enhance your team's educational experience.
Has anyone ever told you that 'current takes the path of least resistance'? Would it surprise you to know that this is 100% false? (Hint: parallel circuits.)
Have you been told that electrical current moves at the speed of light? False! (And I mean, WAY FALSE!) Do you sometimes hear people comment that 'increasing the size of the wire improves the bonding infrastructure'? Yep, you guessed it...false, again.
Many of the anecdotal terms and solutions for the power, grounding, and bonding within the telecommunications industry are rooted in the myths of how electricity works. The terms 'voltage', 'current', 'resistance', and 'impedance' are just a few of the terms that we need to understand to provide a well-designed, properly installed, and highly effective telecommunications infrastructure.
Would it also surprise you to know that little electrical fundamental training is given to the telecommunications industry? The pace at which technology is advanced is outpacing our ability to be trained on the basics that are the foundation for all we do. Someday, someone will look over their shoulder and say, 'Where the heck is the expertise that understands how this actually works?'
Today, many people are finding out that understanding electrical basics will provide the knowledge on everything from AC and DC power systems to structured cabling signals. To determine if your team needs additional training, some companies ask the following questions of their skilled labor:
- What is the difference between the electrical terms 'reactance' and 'resistance'?
- Can you name three types of Alternating Current waveforms?
- What are the four major items that make up the impedance of a conductor?
- What is RMS versus DC?
- What is the difference between 'bonding' and 'grounding'?
If a consistent answer is not provided, it is usually time for an electrical fundamentals 'refresher'.
If you're looking for more information on this subject, ICT Training Group has several grounding and bonding courses, including unique 'hands-on' classes to meet your training needs. If you do not see a course that covers your installation requirements, please contact us for information on putting together a custom solution to enhance your team's educational experience.
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