Power line coupling device and method

A power line coupler configured to couple communication signals between a communication device and a power distribution system having a first overhead energized power line conductor and a second overhead energized power line conductor, comprising:

• a first lightening arrestor having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said first lightening arrestor is configured to be connected to the first overhead energized power line conductor;
• a second lightening arrestor having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said second lightening arrestor is configured to be connected to the second overhead energized power line conductor;
• a transformer having a first winding and a second winding;
• said first winding having a first end coupled to said second end of said first lightening arrestor;
• said first winding having a second end coupled to said second end of said second lightening arrestor;
• wherein said second winding of said transformer is configured to be coupled to the communication device;
• and
• wherein said first winding of said transformer includes a center tap configured to be connected to a neutral conductor of the power distribution system.

A method of using a coupling assembly to couple communications between a communication device and a first overhead energized power line conductor and a second overhead energized power line conductor, comprising;

• connecting a first end of a first lightening arrestor of the assembly to the first overhead energized power line conductor;
• connecting a first end of a second lightening arrestor of the assembly to the second overhead energized power line conductor;
• connecting a third port of the assembly to the communication device;
• and
• wherein the assembly includes a balun having a first winding forming at least part of the third port.

A power line coupler configured to couple communication signals between a communication device and a power distribution system having a first overhead energized power line conductor, comprising:

• a first lightening arrestor having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said first lightening arrestor is configured to be connected to the first overhead energized power line conductor;
• a second lightening arrestor having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said second lightening arrestor is configured to be connected to the first overhead energized power line conductor;
• a transformer having a first winding and a second winding;
• said first winding having a first end coupled to said second end of said first lightening arrestor;
• said first winding having a second end coupled to said second end of said second lightening arrestor;
• and
• wherein said second winding of said transformer is configured to be coupled to the communication device.

A method of using a coupling assembly to couple communications between a communication device that communicates over a first overhead energized power line conductor, comprising:

• connecting a first end of a first lightening arrestor of the assembly to the first overhead energized power line conductor;
• connecting a first end of a second lightening arrestor of the assembly to the first overhead energized power line conductor;
• and
• connecting a third port of the assembly to the communication device.