User's Guide

2 HotPort 5020 User Guide
Safety Instructions
Firetide units must be installed by a qualified professional. Failure to install
properly may result in equipment damage, personal injury, or death.
POWER LINES CAN BE LETHAL
Do not install Firetide products where possible contact with power lines can be made. Antennas, poles, towers,
guy wires, or cables may lean or fall and contact these lines. People may be injured or killed if they are touching or
holding any part of equipment when it contacts electric lines. Make sure there is NO possibility that equipment or
personnel can come in contact directly or indirectly with power lines.
ASSUME ALL OVERHEAD LINES ARE POWER LINES
The horizontal distance from a tower, pole or antenna to the nearest power line should be at least twice the total
length of the pole/antenna combination. This will ensure that the pole will not contact power if it falls either dur-
ing or after installation.
SURVEY THE SITE
Look over the entire site before beginning any installation and anticipate possible hazards. Never assume anything
without checking it out for yourself! Don’t take shortcuts!
TO AVOID FALLING, USE SAFE PROCEDURES WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHTS ABOVE
GROUND
• Select equipment locations that will allow safe and simple installation.
• Don’t work alone. A friend or co-worker can save your life if an accident happens.
• Don’t attempt repair work when you are tired. Not only will you be more careless, but your primary diagnostic
tool - deductive reasoning - will not be operating at full capacity.
• Use approved non-conducting ladders, shoes, and other safety equipment. Make sure all equipment is in good
repair.
• If a tower or pole begins falling, don’t attempt to catch it. Stand back and let it fall.
• If anything such as a wire or pole does come in contact with a power line, DON’T TOUCH IT OR AT-
TEMPT TO MOVE IT. Instead, save your life by calling the power company.
• Don’t attempt to erect antennas or towers on windy days.
• MAKE SURE ALL TOWERS AND POLES ARE SECURELY GROUNDED, AND ELECTRICAL CABLES
CONNECTED TO ANTENNAS HAVE LIGHTNING ARRESTORS. This will help prevent fire damage or
human injury in case of lightning, static build-up, or short circuit within equipment connected to the antenna.
The HotPort mesh node has built-in lightning protection. Be sure that any other equipment connected to the
HotPort mesh node also has the same level of protection.
• The base of the antenna pole or tower must be connected directly to the building protective ground or to one
or more approved grounding rods, using 10 AWG ground wire and corrosion-resistant connectors.
• Refer to the National Electrical Code for grounding details.
IF AN ACCIDENT SHOULD OCCUR WITH THE POWER LINES
• DON’T TOUCH THAT PERSON, OR YOU MAY BE ELECTROCUTED.
• Use a non-conductive dry board, stick, or rope to push or drag them so they no longer are in contact with elec-
trical power.
• Once they are no longer contacting electrical power, administer CPR if you are certified.
• Immediately have someone call for medical help.