Components:
The EMR/EMF Grounding Kit for ECOS EMR/EMF Shielding Paint comprises an aluminum plate attached to a green length of wire. One end of the wire is crimped with a spade terminal for attaching to the aluminum plate, while the other end is left to be grounded to either the ground of a nearby outlet or earthed conduit. Also included is a white wall plate to cover the aluminum ground plate and a cushion for assembly. We recommend all electrical work be done by an electrician.
Installation Instructions:
- Decide where the grounding plate is to be attached. We recommend grounding to a nearby outlet. MAKE SURE THE POWER IS OFF. The grounding plate should be mounted to the side of the wall stud to which the outlet is attached (this allows for easier hiding of the grounding wire).
- Hold the grounding plate against the wall where it will be affixed and trace the screw holes onto the wall. We recommend using the face plates to mark the wall, as this gives a better visual representation of how it will look upon completion.
- Drill the traced holes into the wall. The holes for the toggle bolts should be drilled with a 3/8” drill bit. Attach the grounding plate to the wall. Be sure to not tighten the bottom screw completely so the spade end of the grounding cable can be attached to it later.
- Below the mounted grounding plate, drill a small hole to “snake” the ground wire through and to the outlet. (It can be easier to make a snag with a stiff wire to reach in and pull through the ground wire from the outlet) [refer to example #1]
- Next, attach the spade end of the ground wire to the ground plate and tighten the bottom screw. Push all the excess wire into the wall and pull enough through the outlet to work with. [refer to example #1]
- Make the proper connection to the ground of the outlet and screw the faceplate back onto the outlet. Check that both screws on the ground plate are tight and screw the grounding plate cover with gasket on (before tightening plate cover you can turn it to make sure it is lined up correctly) [refer to example #2]
Use of the EMR/EMF Grounding Kit:
It is not always necessary to ground ECOS EMR/EMF Shielding Paint. The paint will screen RF fields whether grounded or not. However, the paint is conductive, so it might pick up ELF electric fields from the mains electricity wiring. If protection is needed against EMR only (microwaves, mobile telephone masts, etc.), then grounding is not necessary. If full shielding efficiency at lower frequencies is required (power lines, for example), then it is essential that the product is grounded.
If in doubt: Conduct a “before” and “after” test for ELF electric fields. Using a calibrated electric field meter, measure the electric field, standing on the floor at least a foot away from the wall after it has been painted. Note the readings. Earth the paint using an earthing lead and measure the electric fields again from the same position. If the fields are higher once the paint has been earthed, remove the earthing lead. If the readings fall, keep the earthing lead in place.