What type of protection is recommended for aerial communications conductors?

Aerial communications conductors are typically exposed to environmental factors and potential physical damage from various sources, making proper protection crucial for maintaining system integrity and safety. The recommendation for aerial conductors to be not grounded or interrupted is rooted in their design and operational requirements.

Conductors that are not grounded help in avoiding issues such as the potential for ground loops or interference that can occur if grounding is improperly applied. This setup can also protect against electrical faults that could arise during weather events or physical impacts, where grounding might become a hazard. Additionally, ungrounded conductors are often better suited to handle transient voltage spikes, which are common in aerial systems due to lightning strikes or other electrical disturbances.

The recommendation can also refer to maintaining a continuous electrical path without interruptions to ensure that the signal remains stable and reliable. Interruptions can cause signal loss and degrade performance, which is critical in communication systems where reliability is paramount.

Thus, ensuring that aerial communications conductors are not grounded or interrupted maximizes their operational efficiency while minimizing potential risks associated with grounding techniques.