Derived from texts I searched.
Grounding is essential for protecting network infrastructure, especially PoE switches and outdoor devices, from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and lightning-induced surges. In the case of Ubiquiti UniFi equipment, grounding isn’t always required for basic operation. Still, it is critical for safety, reliability, and surge protection—especially in outdoor or long-cable deployments.
Here is a guide:
⚡ Why Grounding Matters
• Prevents electrical surges from damaging Ethernet ports and switches
• Diverts static build-up safely into the earth, avoiding damage to sensitive electronics
• Helps meet regulatory compliance and installation best practices
• Especially important in outdoor, shielded cable, or tower-mounted scenarios🛠 Grounding Best Practices for UniFi Equipment
Use Shielded Ethernet Cable (STP) Appropriately
• Choose STP (shielded twisted pair) for:
• Outdoor runs
• Cable runs longer than 10 metres
• Environments with potential ESD/lightning exposure
• STP cable must be grounded at one end only—usually at the switch or patch panel—not both ends (to avoid ground loops).
• Use shielded RJ45 connectors and patch panels.Ground the UniFi Switch or Rack
• If our UniFi PoE switch is in a rack, ensure the rack is grounded.
• Use a grounding lug on the switch (if provided), or ground the rack chassis.
• Ground to an electrical panel earth or dedicated ground rod, using a minimum 10 AWG wire (or 6 mm² in UK).
“dedicated ground” > need to google this
Use Ubiquiti Surge Protectors
• Install ETH-SP-G2 or ETH-SP-Panel units inline between exposed Ethernet runs and our switches.
• Each ETH-SP has a grounding screw—connect it to the same earthing system as our switch or rack.
• Keep ground wires as short as possible (<1 metre ideally).Outdoor Equipment (e.g., cameras, bridges, APs)
• If using outdoor UniFi devices:
• Use shielded Ethernet with drain wire.
• Install an ETH-SP surge protector at the base of the pole/building, before the cable enters the indoor switch.
• Consider grounding the device’s mounting hardware as well, especially for mast- or tower-mounted gear.
|[Shielded Cat6]
|[ETH-SP-G2]
|[Shielded Cat6]
|[UniFi PoE Switch (in grounded rack)]
|
[Earth Ground]Each ETH-SP has its own ground wire, and the switch chassis or rack should connect to the same ground reference.
⸻
🧱 What Not to Do
• ❌ Do not use unshielded Ethernet outdoors without surge protection.
• ❌ Do not ground both ends of a shielded Ethernet cable (causes ground loops).
• ❌ Do not skip grounding even if the devices seem to work fine—damage can be cumulative and invisible until failure.🧾 Ubiquiti Official Guidance
• Ubiquiti Surge Protection Guide
https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/17190129184279-Protecting-Against-Electrostatic-Discharge
• ETH-SP-G2 Datasheet
https://techspecs.ui.com/
• Installer Training (UISP) - BROKEN LINK.We need a list of suitable shielded Ethernet cables and grounding accessories available in the UK.