Towertalk
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [TowerTalk] grounding radials: solid or stranded?

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] grounding radials: solid or stranded?
From: Martin AA6E <msembx-aa6e@yahoo.com>
Reply-to: msembx-aa6e@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 06:44:54 -0800 (PST)
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Solid seems right to me, too, but I wonder why a lot of traditional
lightning protection is done with stranded.  See, for example,
http://molasar.blackmagic.com/ses/bruceg/EMC/litfacil.html .  My house
lightning system (predates me) was done with stranded.

The references state that the quality of a grounding conductor is
specified by the number of pounds of copper per 1000 ft!  At least
187.5 lb / 1000 ft.  That's good for DC lightning, at least. :-)  

I suspect the real reason for stranded is that it's just easier to
install on a typical building.

Here's a more interesting question: why would you use solid core
wiring, when you could be using copper tubing - if not strap?  Is it
feasible to use copper pipe for grounding conductors?  How would you
connect sections?  The easy way is solder, but that might not stand up
to a big surge.

73, Martin AA6E


_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>