need to be grounded?

[Headmaster]

In a new building, I have a 24 port punch pannel installed. 12 of the ports are for a 10/100 network, the other 12 for phones.

Right now, everthing is hooked up and running. The 10/100 network is running, although not certified. The phones are hooked up, but that's where the problem starts.

When using the phone, you can hear electrical noise when an appliance starts and stops in other parts of the building. Sometimes the line will go 'dead' when the appliance starts or stops.

Right now the panel is just installed in a custom wood enclosure. Should the panel be grounded? Is that why the noise is present. Just so you know, the appliance isn't hooked to the network. What else would cause this? My guess is that the noise could be present on the 10/100, but not sure as is seems to work fine...

Thanks for the advice!
Scott

 

[franklin97355]

Most systems (both phone and network) should be grounded. They ground in different ways and the grounding needs to be done properly to prevent "Ground loops". The equipment should come with grounding instructions and specs. More info on what you have will get you more detailed answers.

 

[daronwilson]

I agree, grounding should be done in accordance with manufacturers equipment specifications and is different depending on the equipment type.

To help you find the problem, I would want to know the following:

1. What type of phones/lines are you using? Is this just regular phone lines from the telco that you are patching all over the facility or do you have a key system with electronic phones or a PBX with digital or analog sets?

2. Wire type and method. What wire are the phones running on and how is it ran? What is its proximity to the electrical wiring in the building?

3. What type of appliance and what type of operation is in the building? Are we talking about a refrigerator kicking on or an arc welder?

If you can be a bit more specific perhaps we can help you track it down.

I can't think of a reason that lack of grounding at the equipment panel would cause the lines to drop when an appliance kicks on, but who knows.

Good Luck! It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[InnoTech]

it could very well be that the phone cabling is tie-wrapped to the electrical wiring in some way or point. "Jack of all trades. Master of none."

 

[Bobg1]

Do these phone lines route to an in house switch?
If so where is that located in relation to the equipment you think is causing the problem?
Is it properly installed?
Where is the demark for the lines entering the building?
How are they connected?
How are the cables routed?
Where is this patch panel located?
Is it near any electrical panels?
Are the terminations done properly?
As you can see there are a lot of things you really need to check and these are only a few.