FE
Functional Earthing for ICT
New A4 section on functional earthing and functional bonding for IT equipment.
Purpose
Functional earthing is for correct operation of equipment (reducing electrical noise and interference) rather than safety. A4 adds requirements for functional earthing and functional equipotential bonding for information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and systems, such as data centres and comms rooms.
Key points
Functional earthing conductors must never compromise protective measures; where a conductor serves both protective and functional purposes, protective requirements take priority. A bonding network (e.g. a mesh or ring busbar) connects ICT equipment frames, cable trays and racks to the main earthing terminal.
Key regulations
Chapter 54543.5Section 444