Webb Industries, a supplier of coaxial and data lightning and surge protection products for the past 17 years, has expanded its operation to include a consulting service to the telecommunications industry.
Over the years that it has been supplying specialised PolyPhaser protection products to the industry, Webb has recognised that there is a need for a consultative service. According to Alan Chater, key account manager, there are many service providers who operate telecom masts who have neither the knowledge nor the expertise to ensure that their equipment is properly protected from lightning strikes. "This is where we come in," says Chater. "Following two highly successful ad-hoc consultations, we have decided to extend our operation to include this as a specialist service."
On being commissioned to undertake a project, Webb concludes an agreement with the customer to ensure that both parties understand what is required. A complete on-site analysis and evaluation of the client's installation is conducted and a confidential report is tabled. This makes recommendations for the protection of the installation and its ancillary equipment from lightning strikes. "It is then up to the customer to decide whether to accept and implement our recommendations. Obviously, we encourage the customer to allow us to tackle the job and supply and install the necessary infrastructure as we are equipped to undertake all aspects of this protection service."
Chater cautions against the temptation of going it alone and attempting a DIY solution. "While our recommendations may be relatively costly, in the long run it could be a whole lot more expensive not to implement them."
Webb's service is relevant for a wide range of applications including automated highway infrastructure systems, automated railway signalling systems, weather sensing devices, audio/video surveillance, security installations, alarm and emergency response systems, defence applications, hi-site communication systems and the entire telecommunications industry.
When determining the proper coaxial protector, Webb takes a number of factors into account, including impedance, turn-on speed, frequency range, transmit, transceive or receive only, presence of DC on the inner core of the coaxial cable, mounting methods and connector type and gender.
In addition to its range of coaxial protection products, Webb also supplies PolyPhaser data/phone line protection and wireless Ethernet/Internet data line protection. While telephone line protectors supplied by service providers are a first line of defence, they are not always connected to a high current capacity, or fast transient response ground system. Webb Industries has a range of PolyPhaser data and Telco protectors when a higher level of protection is needed.
Surge protection is also available for wireless power-over-Ethernet equipment used for point to multipoint communications, data backhaul, wireless Internet hot spots and many other wireless services that need lightning surge protection. This protection extends to tower or pole mounted outdoor base stations as well as for computers located indoors, communications and other equipment connected to these systems.
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