Boltek EFM-INV-M User manual

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(C) 2020 BOLTEK CORP EFM-INV_Instruction_1.3
Boltek EFM-INV-M / EFM-INV2 / EFM-INV3
Inverting Mounting Kit
Installation Instructions
Introduction
The EFM-INV-M, EFM-INV2, and EFM-INV3 Inverted Mounting Kits will allow you to mount your EFM-100 or EFM-
200 Electric Field Mill in the inverted downward-facing configuration. Inverting your field mill will provide you with
reduced precipitation noise.
ELECTROCUTION WARNING:
INSTALLATION THIS PRODUCT NEAR POWERLINES IS DANGEROUS.
FOR YOUR SAFETY, FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION DIRECTIONS.
SEE ADDITIONAL WARNINGS ON REVERSE

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ELECTROCUTION WARNING:
INSTALLATION OF THIS PRODUCT NEAR POWERLINES IS DANGEROUS.
FOR YOUR SAFETY, FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION DIRECTIONS.
FALL WARNING:
DO NOT ATTEMPT INSTALLATION AT HEIGHTS UNLESS YOU ARE EXPERIENCED
IN THE SAFE USE OF LADDERS AND FALL ARRESTING EQUIPMENT. IF UNSURE
REFER INSTALLATION TO AN EXPERIENCED ANTENNA OR SATELLITE INSTALLER.
LIGHTNING ACTIVITY WARNING:
DO NOT WORK ON THE SYSTEM OR CONNECT OR DISCONNECT CABLES DURING
PERIODS OF LIGHTNING ACTIVITY.
Installation and Grounding Warning
Warning Do not locate the sensor near overhead power lines or other electric light or
power circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the
sensor, take extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, as they may cause
serious injury or death. For proper installation and grounding of the sensor, please refer to
national and local codes (e.g. U.S.:NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, in
Canada: Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54).
Document Revision History
1.0 2009 Original document
1.1 07/31/2011 Added instructions to apply silicone grease to threads and washer
1.2 10/10/2012 Updated contents of the Kit
1.3 10/15/2020 Added fiber optic assembly upgrade installation

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(C) 2020 BOLTEK CORP EFM-INV_Instruction_1.3
Contents of the Kit
Your EFM-INV-M (Pole mount bracket), EFM-INV2 (2-foot tripod) or EFM-INV3 (3-foot tripod)
kit should include the following items:
Inverting Mast
Shroud
Silicone Grease
Junction Box
Junction Box Cover
3/4” NPT Strain Relief
Pole mount bracket (EFM-INV-M)
with clamps & bolts
Optional 2' Tripod (EFM-INV2)
Optional 3' Tripod (EFM-INV3)

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Choosing a Mounting Location
Choosing a suitable mounting location is the single most important aspect of a successful installation:
Locate at least 10 feet/3m away from any obstructions and edges of the roof line.
Keep height within 2 to 3 feet between sensor and the ground/roof surface. If installed higher, adjust
the sensitivity using one of the supplied attenuator plugs.
KEEP CLEAR AREA
Persons or animals entering the Keep Clear Area may be detected by the field mill as a High Electric Field
or Lightning. If the field mill is mounted at ground level a fence or other barrier should be erected
around the field mill. Keep the area directly under the field mill clear of long grass or weeds. Patio slabs
or a poured concrete pad is recommended for ground installations.

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FIELD OF VIEW
The electric field mill requires a 360 degree view of the sky to detect the static charge on overhead
clouds.
Obstructions within the field mill’s field of view may reduce the sensitivity and lightning strike detection,
it is also recommended that any large objects or structures are no higher than a 30 degree angle up
from the surface directly below the sensor.
Secure the tripod to the roof or patio slabs/concrete pad on the ground. For a no-holes tripod
installation on a flat roof the tripod may be secured to patio slabs placed on the roof. Run cables away
from the field mill sensor, not directly underneath.

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Assembling the pole mount bracket
Remove nuts and washers from the two U-Bolts and place around inverted mast. Secure bolts
to bracket as shown below
Open hose clamps, and hold bracket against pole. Place hose clamps through bracket and
tighten around pole or tripod mast. Recommended pole size is between 2.5" and 4" outer
diameter. If a larger pole is used, bigger hose clamps can be purchased at a local hardware
store.

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(C) 2020 BOLTEK CORP EFM-INV_Instruction_1.3
Assembling the hardware
EXPLODED VIEW OF ASSEMBLY
COAT THREADS AND RUBBER WASHER WITH SILICONE GREASE.
RUBBER WASHER MUST BE LOCATED BETWEEN NUT AND SHROUD.
FAILURE TO PROPERLY INSTALL WASHER WILL RESULT IN WATER DAMAGE TO FIELD MILL
NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY

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PIPE WRENCH TIGHTENING BULKHEAD ONTO MAST (HAND TIGHT +4 TURNS WITH WRENCH)
COAT PIPE THREADS WITH SILICONE GREASE.
FAILURE TO PROPERLY TIGHTEN BULKHEAD ONTO MAST WILL RESULT IN WATER DAMAGE
TO FIELD MILL NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY
READY FOR THE FIELD MILL TO BE CONNECTED
REFER TO THE EFM-100/200 DOCUMENTATION FOR DETAILS ON CONNECTING AND
GROUNDING YOUR FIELD MILL

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EFM-INV2 USE 0.75X EFM-INV3 USE 0.5X
INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE SENSITIVITY PLUG BEFORE CONNECTING FIELD MILL

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COAT BOTH SIDES OF THE RUBBER WASHER WITH SILICONE GREASE
Connect Power, Ground and Fiber Optic connectors, then screw the Field Mill to its cover. Lower the
Shroud over the Field Mill. Lower the greased rubber washer onto Bulkhead Connector, and then the
Bulkhead Nut. Tighten the Bulkhead Nut until the Rubber Washer is visibly compressed.
PIPE WRENCH TIGHTENING NUT ONTO RUBBER WASHER
(NOTE: LEFT-HANDED COUNTER-CLOCKWISE THREAD ON NUT )

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DO NOT ALLOW FIELD MILL TO ROTATE OR WIRES CONNECTING FIELD MILL WILL TWIST
COAT BOTH SIDES OF RUBBER WASHER WITH SILICONE GREASE.
FAILURE TO PROPERLY TIGHTEN NUT ONTO RUBBER WASHER AND SHROUD WILL RESULT IN
WATER DAMAGE TO FIELD MILL NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY
Attach junction box to the bottom of the inverted mast if not pre-assembled. Remove
tightening nut and rubber insert from the strain relief, then screw into the bottom of the
junction box.
Slide the strain relief nut onto the cable, then insert cable into the
junction box with a wide loop and insert into connector. Secure the
cable with the rubber insert and tighten nut onto strain relief. Screw
the cover plate onto the junction box.

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Fiber optic assembly
The following instructions are for installing the fiber optic connectors. Orders placed with the
fiber optic upgrade will have the connector pre-installed. Refer to Exploded View of Assembly
section in this guide for part descriptions.
Loosen the bulkhead nut and slide it down the inverted mast along with the washer and
shroud.
The bulkhead nut is reverse threaded. Turn clockwise to loosen.
Remove the three case screws and slide the EFM-100 down from the cover.
Insert the small Molex connector into the junction box and feed through the mast until it
reaches the EFM-100 and insert the plug into the fiber optic header until it locks into place.
Wipe the inside of the junction box with alcohol swab then remove double sided tape backing and affix
to the inside. Insert fiber optic cable through the bottom of the junction box, with a large loop. Carefully
line up the key slot and wing tabs and insert cable into connector with a quarter turn.

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Final assembly views
Assembly on Non-penetrating Roof Mount
Assembly on 3’ tripod
Pole mount assembly