Why is the Earthing System (Proper Grounding) so important for the Barrier Gate System?

90% of barrier gate malfunctions are attributed to a poor earthing system. This is often due to issues such as Lightning Surges or the failure of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Proper earthing is crucial for maintaining system safety and stability, preventing electrical faults, and ensuring the longevity of the barrier gate system.

Lightning Surges: Understanding the Impact in Malaysia and on Outdoor Electronics like Barrier Gate Motors

 

1. What are Lightning Surges?

Lightning surges are sudden, transient spikes in electrical voltage or current caused by lightning strikes. These surges can occur in two primary ways:

• Direct Strike: A lightning bolt directly hits a structure or an electrical line, causing an immense surge of electrical energy.
• Indirect Strike: Lightning strikes nearby, and the energy is induced into electrical systems through electromagnetic fields or through ground conductors.

These surges are characterized by extremely high voltage levels that can last for just a fraction of a second but are powerful enough to cause significant damage to electrical systems.
 

2. Lightning Surges in Malaysia:

Malaysia is located near the equator and experiences a high frequency of thunderstorms, making it one of the countries most prone to lightning strikes in the world. The country's tropical climate contributes to an average of 180 to 200 thunderstorm days per year in some regions. This high frequency of lightning activity significantly increases the risk of lightning surges.
 

3. The Impact of Lightning Surges on Outdoor Electronics:

Outdoor electronic devices, such as barrier gate motors, are particularly vulnerable to lightning surges due to their exposure to the elements and their connection to external power and communication lines. The impact of lightning surges on these devices can be severe:

• Immediate Damage: A lightning surge can immediately destroy sensitive electronic components within a barrier gate motor, such as microprocessors, circuit boards, and sensors. The high voltage from the surge can cause components to burn out or become permanently damaged.
• Operational Disruptions: Even if the device is not completely destroyed, a surge can cause malfunctions, leading to erratic behavior or system hangs. For example, a barrier gate might fail to open or close properly, compromising security and access control.
• Shortened Lifespan: Repeated exposure to smaller surges can degrade electronic components over time, leading to premature aging and failures. This means that even if the impact isn't immediate, the overall lifespan of the barrier gate motor and its electronics can be significantly reduced.
• Safety Hazards: A malfunctioning barrier gate due to lightning surge damage can pose safety risks, such as the barrier arm not functioning correctly, potentially leading to accidents or security breaches.

Given the high risk of lightning in Malaysia, preventive measures are crucial to protect outdoor electronic devices:

• Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): Installing SPDs can help to absorb and divert the excess voltage from a lightning surge, protecting the sensitive components of barrier gate motors and other electronics.
• Proper Grounding: Ensuring that all outdoor electronics are properly grounded can help in safely dissipating the electrical energy from a surge into the ground, reducing the risk of damage.
• Regular Maintenance: Conducting regular checks on surge protection systems and grounding connections is essential to ensure they are functioning correctly and providing the necessary protection.

What is the Failure to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) on PCB Board?

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD):
Electrostatic discharge is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects. In the context of a PCB, this can occur when static electricity builds up on the surface of the board or its components and is not properly grounded or discharged.
 

How ESD Happens:

1. Environmental Factors:
   Static electricity can accumulate due to various environmental conditions, such as low humidity, which can increase the potential for static buildup. This is especially problematic in electronic environments.
2. Human Interaction:
   When technicians or users handle the PCB without proper grounding, they can inadvertently transfer static charges from their bodies to the sensitive components on the PCB.
3. Component Movement:
   Components within the barrier gate system can generate static electricity as they move or interact, especially if the system is not properly grounded.

Consequences of ESD on PCBs:

• Component Damage:
  The sudden discharge of static electricity can damage sensitive components on the PCB, leading to malfunctions or complete failure.
• System Instability:
  Even if the damage is not immediately apparent, ESD can weaken components over time, causing intermittent failures or system instability.
• Data Corruption:
  ESD can also cause data corruption or loss in digital circuits, further contributing to system malfunctions.

 

How Proper Earthing Prevents ESD:

• Static Charge Dissipation:
  Proper earthing ensures that any static electricity accumulated on the PCB is safely discharged to the ground, preventing it from building up and causing damage.
• Protection Against Surges:
  A well-maintained earthing system also protects against lightning surges, which can introduce large amounts of electrical energy into the system. This prevents the surges from reaching the PCB and causing catastrophic failures.
• System Longevity:
  By effectively managing both static charges and surges, proper earthing contributes to the overall longevity and reliability of the barrier gate system.