[amsat-bb] Re: Lightning protection

[Art McBride]

Surface area counts ten for lightning protection. Down conductor braid ,
copper pipe or strap 2-3" wide has the most conductivity. Coiling Coax in a
3" diameter at the base of the tower and placing a separate ground strap on
the coax before the coil to strip off the lightning currents will off some
degree of protection.
For ideas and knowledge visit  http://www.protectiongroup.com/Home 

Art,
KC6UQH

-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On
Behalf Of K5OE
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 11:45 PM
To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Lightning protection


K9STH wrote:
> Sorry, but NFPA NEC (National Electrical Code) definitely requires that
ALL 
> grounding electrodes MUST be connected together!  There are VERY good
reasons 
> for doing this...

Yeah, this is a requirement that has vexed designers of complex electrical
systems for years.
One solution, generally meeting this requirement, is to go ahead an utilize
separate ground rods
and tie the rods together with a (large) grounding cable--usually pvc
insulated cable for corrosion 
protection. In industrial installations these connections are often made so
they can be 
disconnected in the event of differential currents flowing and causing
problems with 
communication/signal systems.

Much like K8BL's recommendations, I too have used #10 AWG for the ground
from the rotor/mast
 to the ground rod, and hoped and prayed the lightning liked it (if ever
needed).  This is especially important
for a non-earthed installation like a tripod on a roof.  I have been
fortunate to never having to find out...

73,
Jerry, M0GOE
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb