Safety_Instructions_for_Antennas

PR100 Data

Safety Instructions for Antennas

Make sure that antennas are set up at an appropriate location. Furthermore, make sure that antennas are correctly assembled and installed, and that they are inspected at regular intervals.

If the mast or parts of a damaged antenna break off, this may result in personal injury or even death.

National regulations and standards regarding the setting up and operation of antenna systems have to be complied with. In Germany, relevant regulations include

DIN 57855/VDE 0855, for example.

All of the safety instructions described here must be observed in order to avoid damage to antennas and allow problems to be detected at an early stage. Make these safety instructions available to your service personnel.

Observe wind speeds at installation site

Antennas from Rohde & Schwarz are designed to withstand the wind speeds or dynamic pressures specified in the relevant data sheets.

The wind speed depends, among other things, on the conditions prevailing at the site of installation:

4The wind speed increases with the altitude of the installation site.

4The wind load increases at exposed installation sites where compressions of the air flow and turbulences may occur (e.g. on high-rise buildings, isolated mountain ridges or in narrow canyons).

To estimate the maximum wind load that may occur, make a survey of the antenna site, if necessary, or use modeling to determine excessive wind loads.

The actual dynamic wind pressure may grow significantly if the wind carries water (rainstorm, typhoon, etc.) or sand (sandstorm). The specified dynamic pressure must not be exceeded under any circumstances. Specified wind speeds are derived from the dynamic pressure prevailing with dry, uncontaminated air.

Mobile use

Vibration and shock loads during mobile use must not exceed relevant data sheet specifications. Depending on the degree and duration of the loading, vibration and shock may shorten the product life.

PR100 Data

Shipborne use

For shipborne applications, only antennas suitable and approved for such applications and specifically protected against corrosion and splashwater may be used.

Rules to be observed in setting up an antenna

Antennas should be mounted exclusively in their intended operating position.

When mounting an antenna on a supporting structure (mast, foundation, etc.), make sure that the flanges used have the dimensions specified in the manual and provide the required clearance for accommodating connectors and ventilation.

It must be ensured that the forces active at the interface between an antenna or array of antennas and its supporting structure are safely and reliably absorbed by this structure, which consists of a mast/masts or foundation, etc. and the fastening elements. Depending on applicable regulations, this capability may have to be demonstrated. Rules to be observed during inspection and repair

Antennas from Rohde & Schwarz are designed for long and trouble-free operation and minimum maintenance.

WARNING! Never enter the danger zone surrounding transmit antennas while the antennas are switched on. Electromagnetic radiation may jeopardize your health. Switch off transmit antennas before each inspection or repair.

WARNING! Only suitably designed and equipped antenna masts may be climbed.

Climbing a mast not intended for this purpose may result in bodily injuries and/or cause damage to the mast. When climbing an antenna mast, it is essential that all the required safety precautions be taken, e.g. wearing safety belts and helmets.

Inspections are required at yearly intervals and after exposure to wind loads exceeding 100 km/h. Make the following checks:

4Is there any visible damage on the mast and/or its anchoring/guying?

Is the mast guying correctly pre-tensioned?

4Are all screw connections on the antenna flange (accessible from the mast) properly tightened?

4Is there any visible damage on supporting antenna parts or on welded seams (check from the mast head)?

Check the more distant parts using binoculars.

4Is the antenna surface or varnishing damaged? – Repair if necessary.

4Are antenna connectors or grounding connectors corroded?