The effects of improper grounding

Decreased Efficiency

Electrical noise is introduced on data cables when surges are not properly dissipated by the grounding system. They cause faulty data signals and dropped packets, thus decreasing the throughput and overall efficiency of your network.

Lower Reliability

According to insurance industry data, improper grounding of communication systems leads to $500 million per year of damage to property and/or equipment due to lightning.

The Information Technology Industry Council states that grounding is the single-most important factor in reliable network equipment performance.

Industry experts estimate that 27%-33% of damaged equipment in a user's facility is caused by electrostatic discharge. The component cost of repairing damaged equipment substantial for complex circuit boards, especially when labor and downtime are considered.

According to the IEEE, the typical AC third prong ground is almost never sufficient to prevent damage to network equipment.

Safety Risks

Personal injury from electric shock caused by improper grounding can cause immeasurable human suffering and significant expense.

Potential fire hazards exist when heat is generated from electrical surges that find a high resistance path to ground.