Electrical Grounding

Electrical grounding and bonding is sometimes overlooked yet remains an important facet of installing an electronic message center (EMC).  The Dealer/Installer as well as the EMC owner have much to gain and value from adhering to best practices to ensure a safe and functional sign system.  Check out this video and information below to learn more about how to properly ground and bond an EMC.   

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Proper electrical grounding and bonding is not just for safety.
Reducing Ohm resistance will contribute to a well performing EMC.

Here are several suggestions to consider:

Protect People

Proper grounding is a commitment to safety and guards against electrical harm. Grounding provides a direct path for electrical surges or lightning strikes to dissipate harmlessly into the Earth, safeguarding both our customers and the public. By prioritizing this vital safety measure, we value the well-being of every individual and strive to create environments where everyone can feel secure.

Protect the Sign

Grounding and bonding also minimizes electrical resistance within the circuitry. By reducing resistance, our signs operate more efficiently, requiring less voltage to power through loads or amperage. This optimization not only prevents power-related failures but also prolongs the lifespan of our signs, ensuring reliable performance over time.

Installation Requirements

Dedicated Circuit:  Ensure one dedicated circuit per sign, though it's recommended to have one per face. 

Grounding Rod:  Install a completely buried, in-earth 1/2" diameter ground rod, minimum 6 feet long. 

Copper Wire: Use continuous 6 AWG copper wire without any splices or joints.

Ohms Law & Why Resistance Matters

Ohm's Law is a formula used to calculate the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit.  It's an important factor because with a high level of resistance, a circuit will require more voltage to deliver the power demanded by the EMC.  In other words, the feed will struggle to meet the demand.     

 

Specific instructions for electrical and grounding can be found on pages 6 & 7 of our Installation Guide.

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Proper installation based on these guidelines will make the sign system safe, and contribute to the optimal performance of of the EMC.

Thank you for choosing our products. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact our support team.

What else does Impact LED offer?

Cell Modem Connectivity

Enjoy a fast and easy connectivity experience thanks to our partnership with Verizon wireless. No more running ethernet cables and pointing wifi antennas. Talk with our staff to find out of cell modem connectivity is the best choice for your project.

Cloud-Based Software

Securely hosted on Amazon AWS, and ready for 2 factor authentication, our content and sign management platform is accessible from any web browser. Impact Cloud Plus is action packed with all the features your customers will expect and plenty they’ll be happy to learn!

Combo Sign Packages

Impact LED supplies customers with more than just awesome electronic message centers; check out our Standard Combination Packages. Illuminated box signs and a pole cover are a great addition to your EMC purchase, making your project faster and easier.