Cabling: Breakout Boxes

The design of an RTMS Echo installation should include a breakout box close to the RTMS Echo that can be used for setup and maintenance purposes, and can include surge suppression circuitry and external communications devices as required. Reference designs are available. The breakout box should be no more than 40 ft (12.2 m) from the RTMS Echo sensor.

Each breakout box should contain a manufacturers approved surge suppression package, which includes a power supply and all the necessary surge protection devices (see Cabling: Surge Suppression).

Cabling to the Breakout Box

The Mains power should enter the breakout box and go directly to the surge suppression package as described in the wiring diagram provided with the package. The earth ground wire from the Mains power should tie to the breakout box, the surge protection package, and directly to the grounding rod as described in Providing a Proper Ground.

• The Mains earth ground conductor MUST come with the Mains power conductors from the utility. The local ground rod is only for suppression of surge and must be tied to the earth ground reference from the power source.

Cabling From the Breakout Box

The only cable leaving the breakout box should be the CAT5e or CAT6 cable going directly to the sensor. The cable should be no more than 50 ft (15.24 m).

• The cable from the breakout box to the RTMS Echo sensor should be routed up the pole directly to the sensor and should not share conduits with or be routed next to high voltage/high current (AC or DC) power lines.