John,
Usually, there are local building codes that do not allow A/C power in the
same conduit with other cables, especially if it is hard-wired to your
electrical panel and especially outdoors.
Also, that is not the way to ensure no interference between the A/C and your
coax.
But, there is a way to do what you want and not violate the codes and not
have interference. Just install the Romex cable (I'd suggest UF cable) and
at the shack end of the cable put an electrical plug. At the tower end, put
a junction box and an electrical outlet. When you need power at the tower,
plug in the plug at the shack. Presumably, you will be working on something
at the tower and any interference in the coax will not be heard in the RX
since you are at the tower. When you are finished with the project, unplug
the plug.
Just remember to use the correct size wire in the UF cable for the distance
you wish to run the cable. Check the ARRL Handbook or other electrical
references for this wire size.
Also, I would use a GFCI outlet into which I would plug in the cable at the
shack end. This is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter that blows the
built-in GFCI breaker, disconnecting the power to the cable, if the current
being drawn in the ground wire is not the same as the current in the "hot"
and "neutral" wires (within mili- or micro-Amperes). That way, you don't
get fried at the tower.
73,
Bill, N3RR
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
[mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of molenda
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2001 11:17 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] placing electrical power wire inside PVC along with
coax
Hi Guys ! I am still working on my tower project. I have decided to use 3"
PVC to carry the coax from the tower to the shack. along with the coax will
be the rotor cable . I had a Idea ! what about running a length of outdoor
electrical wire so that I can have power to the tower for an out let for
soldering guns , tools or a spot light ? any ideas will this effect the
incoming signal ? will it couple with the coax or cause some sort of noise
when it is in use , being that it is so close to the coax ? Thanks for
your Help !! John KB2HUK
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