Camera Grounding Instructions
In the overall design of the camera system, designers should ensure the correct implementation of the grounding system according to specific circumstances, in compliance with relevant standards and regulations, to guarantee stable performance and operation. When grounding cameras, the relevant safety norms and national standards should be followed.
Part 1: Common Grounding Principles for Cameras
- Single-point Grounding Principle: All equipment should share the same grounding point to ensure uniform grounding potential. This avoids interference and failures caused by differences in grounding potential.
- Independent Grounding System: The camera’s grounding system should be separate from that of other electrical devices to prevent mutual interference. Avoid grounding through building lightning protection systems like down conductors.This can improve the camera system’s ability to resist interference and lightning strikes.
- Reasonable Grounding Line Layout: Grounding lines should be as short as possible and have adequate cross-sectional area to minimize grounding resistance. It is also important to avoid interference by crossing with power lines or signal lines by using proper isolation methods.
- Use of High-quality Grounding Materials: Grounding wires and devices should meet national standards to ensure effective grounding.The grounding wire should be a yellow and green plastic insulated copper core wire or a wire that complies with local regulations.
- Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Grounding systems should be checked regularly to ensure that grounding lines and devices are secure, and debris around grounding devices should be cleared.
- Avoid Ground Loops: In a camera system, the signal ground and safety ground should be routed separately to prevent ground loop problems that could degrade signal quality.
For installations overseas, grounding resistance should meet the regulations of the respective country or operator.
Part 2: Camera Grounding Methods
- Camera Grounding Standards: The copper core insulated wire used for grounding should have a cross-sectional area of at least 6 square millimeters, with a burial depth of no less than 0.5 meters, and grounding resistance should be less than 4 ohms (recommended to use a certified grounding resistance tester).
Several common grounding methods for cameras are as follows:
Cameras：
- Metal Shell Grounding: For cameras with metal housings, the grounding wire is connected to the camera’s metal surface, typically via screws or clamps. This effectively guides static and electromagnetic interference to the ground.
- BNC Grounding: For camera systems using BNC connectors, the grounding screw on the BNC connector can be used to connect the grounding wire.Connect the ground wire to the ground screw on the BNC connector and ensure that the ground wire is connected to the ground point.
Use grounding accessories:
- Grounding Box: A grounding box can be used to connect the camera’s grounding wire to the grounding system. This box often has multiple grounding screws to connect multiple devices，achieve shared grounding.
- Dedicated Grounding Wire: Specialized grounding wires can be used to extend the grounding system from the camera to the main grounding point.Connect the ground wire to the ground point on the camera and extend it to a ground point on your grounding system.
- Terminal Equipment Grounding: In addition to grounding the camera, terminal devices like monitors and recorders should also be grounded, ensuring consistent grounding across the entire system, to maintain consistent grounding throughout the camera system.
For any grounding method, make sure:
- The power and grounding lines meet national standards.
- The grounding wire connections are firm and secure.
- Avoid cross interference between ground wires and power lines, signal lines, etc., and isolate them through reasonable wiring methods.
- Regular inspections are done to ensure the system’s proper functioning.