How Are You Maximizing Your Small Cell Grounding Installations?

Small cells are a critical component of the 5G evolution. They're perfect for small geographical areas, offering 5G access (and those awesome ultra-high speeds!) to customers. As operators continue to increase the reach and strength of their LTE and 5G networks to meet the rising demands on mobile broadband, the deployment rate of small cells is, naturally, going to increase. 

When installing small cells, it's really important to consider how to power and ground them. Grounding your small cells offers essential benefits to public safety, noise control, lightning protection, and of course, it helps you stay in compliance with regulatory requirements. 

So now that you know why it's important to ground the small cells you install, let's explore some of your options. nVent ERICO offers a range of solutions for grounding and surge protection of power supply to small cells. We'll break it down by your objective: do you want to maximize spend or maximize performance? 

Maximize Spend

Ground Rods and Accessories

nVent ERICO copper-bonded ground rods have an electrolytic coating of copper deposited over a layer of nickel. This process helps ensure a long-lasting molecular bond between the copper layer and steel core. When compared to stainless steel or galvanized rods, copper-bonded ground rods are a cost-effective option over the life of service.

With a complete line of UL listed mechanical grounding connectors, nVent ERICO Hammerlock, threaded and compression ground rod connectors, there is a solution to all your below- and above-grade connections problems. When rapid deployment is needed for a permanent ground connection at a small cell site and nVent ERICO Cadweld is not an option, the Hammerlock on either its one hole or two hole version is the best ground clamp you can use.

Maximize Performance

Ground Enhancement for Every Application

nVent ERICO Ground Enhancement Material (GEM) and Quickfill increase the effectiveness of your grounding system in areas of poor conductivity, maintenance-free.

To achieve a low grounding system resistance target in a critical application, GEM has you covered. To improve your grounding system resistance or meet a target resistance with minimal equipment on-site, Quickfill is the convenient solution for you.

nVent ERICO Cadweld          

Connections are often the most critical element of a grounding system, and subsequently can become the weak point due to aging and corrosion. The preferred method of connection is the Cadweld exothermic welding process producing a molecular bond.

Cadweld is the ultimate connection for below-grade grounding. Connections are designed to last the life of the conductor with a current capacity equal or greater than that of the conductor.

To learn more about nVent's solutions, contact your local Accu-Tech representative or visit the nVent page on our website.