Protection Against Common Mode Currents on Cables Exposed to HIRF or NEMP

Abstract

Above deck, cables on naval ships are exposed to high-intensity radiated fields and nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP) that may cause conducted interference and generate electromagnetic fields that exceed the immunity levels of commercially available equipment above and below deck. Exposed cables, such as open power plugs or lighting cables, are modeled and characterized both as a monopole antenna perpendicular to the deck and as a transmission line, representing a cable close to the deck. The placement of an illuminated cable close to the deck is a good protection measure for long cables at low frequencies, which includes NEMP protection. The coupled pulse from a high-intensity NEMP illumination is not expected to cause damage on electric installations. It is shown that for exposed cable length of maximum 25 cm and not placed in the line of sight of transmitters above 400 MHz, no additional protection measures are needed.