As deployment of fifth-generation (5G) networks accelerates, installing telecommunications equipment on existing metallic infrastructure, such as water towers, introduces new engineering and safety challenges. A key concern is the development of stray electrical currents resulting from integrated power and communication systems. This article presents a field case study in which stray currents exceeding 20 amps were measured on grounding conductors near 5G transmission equipment on a water tower. Although no immediate corrosion was observed, these currents pose electrical safety hazards and may promote accelerated corrosion over time. Field findings, potential current pathways, and mitigation strategies are presented.
Chikkam et al. (Fri,) studied this question.