From: loopantennas@groups.io <loopantennas@groups.io> On Behalf Of wn4isx via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 9:53 PM
To: loopantennas@groups.io
Subject: [loopantennas] Proper transient protection for Ethernet antenna feedlines.

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I am not trying to start a flame war over "proper feedline entry to a residence." I live in the USA and have to comply with the NEC, National Electric Code.

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For coax it's pretty simple, ground the braid and you are legal, but, how on earth do you properly apply UL (Underwritters Laboratory) lightning protection to Ethernet cable?

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I believe every state in the USA has adopted the NEC, different states have adopted different versions, states and "authority having jurisdiction" (cities) have modified their interpretation in different ways.

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I talked with the statewide "authority having jurisdiction" and was told Kentucky is using the 2017 code but is working to update to the 2023 code "As soon as possible."

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If an antenna/feedline installation doesn't meet code, then insurance companies can legally refuse to pay for any lightning damage, even if it comes in on the cable TV, telephone, or AC mains.

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I'm experimenting with Ethernet and presently just run it out the window when I'm using it, bag it and toss it outside when I'm finished. I have a piece of nylon monofilament tied to the bag to bring it back in, but, it is a PITR (rump) and I'd like to do this legally.

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So far I've found this:

protector-5-pair-100base-t-ethernet-ix-5h

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Two problems,

1) the Ethernet cable has to be undone for screw connections, which ought to do wonders for the balance.

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2) The UL rating: "UL 497B provides requirements for protectors used in communication and fire alarm circuits."

Any ideas?

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Note 1: People in other countries can have extremely different rules, so what works here might be illegal there and what works there might be illegal here.

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Note 2: If I'd ever turned in an engineering paper written half as poorly as anything in the NEC, they'd have kicked me out of school. I swear they must work overtime to make it as obtuse as possible and still use English.

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Note 3: I installed the 'home end' of my CCW dual polarity LF~HF antenna outside and ran coax from the bias-t inside with the shield properly grounded and DC power outside, being paranoid careful to comply with the NEC. [Cursed be their name.]

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