There is considerable confusion here with respect to radial systems for
antennas and an earth connection for lightning protection. They are VERY
different, and both are important. Properly bonded conductors buried in
concrete ARE acceptable as a ground for lightning protection -- it's
called a Ufer ground, after Herbert Ufer who developed the concept, and
it's now recognized in the National Electric Code. A Ufer ground works
because 1) concrete is conductive and 2) there is a large surface area in
contact with the earth. The downside is that the earth it makes contact
with is near the surface.
Like ALL earth electrodes, it must be bonded to all other grounds in your
home -- power system, Telco, CATV, your shack, and all driven rods.
I think Bob is on a pretty good track with his design.
I concur with Jim. Properly bonded into a proper ground system, it will
actually make the system safer and might even help for RF.
The key word here is PROPER. Integrated into an improper system or connected
wrong, it might not be a good idea at all.
It has to be bonded into the mains ground and all other grounds, and those
grounds have to be good.
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