In high school chemistry class you learn about different elements. In your studies, you learn how elements have various charge levels and how electrons and protons jump from one element to another when they are in proximity to each other.
Most people never truly recognize what this means in real life; however, an example of something they might be familiar with is rust. Oxygen reacts with iron and its alloys in the presence of water and other pollutants in the air. The result is rust—a red substance that ends up causing the eventual decay of the iron. While this is an example of oxidation, this reaction is similar in nature to galvanic corrosion.
Galvanic corrosion is the corrosive effect of two metals instead of a metal and oxygen. In marine applications, a sacrificial metal such as zinc is used as an anode to protect other, more critical metals (cathode) such as iron or steel from corroding. The zinc corrodes much faster because of the voltage generated by the dissimilar metal effect (see Anodic index chart). The greater the voltage difference between two metals, the higher potential for corrosion between these two metals.
Now flash forward to your broadband network. Various metals come in contact throughout your network, but one of the most critical areas that youdo not want to corrode is at your bonding point. The National Fire Protection Agency Association requires that your broadband network be properly grounded to prevent voltage spikes, fires and other property damage. Broadband system operators have standardized on annealed solid copper or copper clad steel products for the bond wire; however, commonly overlooked is the actual bonding apparatus.
Many bonding product suppliers promote Ground Block products that use various metals, such as zinc, aluminum or stainless steel; however, the basic material in the network is copper. The F-Connector used in the cable TV space has primarily been standardized on brass (its primary element is copper) and the bond wire is copper or copper clad steel. So the obvious question is if galvanic compatibility or dissimilar metals cause corrosion and potential signal integrity issues, why wouldn’t you protect the integrity of your subscriber using a copper-based bonding apparatus?
provides a copper-based solution with its solid brass line of Ground Blocks. These products were developed specifically with your broadband network in mind, providing the ultimate corrosion resistance and leading lightning suppression capability.
Why chance your network’s integrity with bonding blocks made from other metals or even multiple metals when you can make a clear informed decision and standardize on a true solid brass design?
Doesn’t your network deserve it?
