Regarding why drive the end of the ground rod 6" below ground, it is so it
won't be a trip hazard. The solution is just go to the hardware store and
buy the round fiberglass/plastic device with lid that is designed to house
lawn watering valves etc. Drive the ground rod, Use post hole digger to get
the round fiberglass housing into the ground. The rod sticks up in the
middle of the round opening. The ground wire from the clamp at the rod to
the tower leg goes under the bottom edge of the fiberglass device or you can
punch a hole in the side if you don't want your ground wire that deep. This
makes it possible to inspect the mechanical clamp each year. Suggest you
make a diagram as to where they are located because the grass has a tendancy
to grow over the cover plate. I have 6 of these in my yard, I think they
cost about $6 each about 15 years ago. They work great. 73, Ron W8RJL
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gene Smar" <ersmar@verizon.net>
To: "Patrick Greenlee" <patrick_g@windstream.net>;
<TOWERTALK@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 3:11 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding HDX-555
Patrick:
I would not bury a mechanical ground clamp. It can't easily be
checked and retightened each year. I would use a longer ground rod and
leave six inches or so above ground and apply the clamp there. A welded
connection such as Cadweld can be buried and forgotten. My 132 feet or so
of #2 solid ground wire is attached to 12 copper ground rods with that
method.
73 de
Gene Smar AD3F
----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick Greenlee" <patrick_g@windstream.net>
To: <TOWERTALK@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 2:59 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding HDX-555
While on the grounding topic... why do some sources recommend burying the
wire clamp to copper ground rod connection a minimum of 6 inches?
Patrick AF5CK
-----Original Message-----
From: Alan NV8A
Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 1:39 PM
To: TOWERTALK@contesting.com
Cc: Brad Hyde
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding HDX-555
On 05/05/13 12:19 pm, Brad Hyde wrote:
I am in the process of erecting an HDX-555. I have the hole dug and
most of the rebar cage built. My question is about the best method of
grounding. Should I place a copper cable at the bottom of the hole and
then attach it to the tower? This method would have the cable immersed
in the concrete which makes me wonder about that much heat going into
the concrete if lightning hits, even if it is just on the edge of the
concrete. The other method I am thinking of would be three ground rods
placed around the tower and connected together and to the tower with
copper strap and/or very heavy copper wire. Just looking for input from
the collective knowledge of this group as I am in a lightning prone area
in west Texas. Thanks.
I have #4 copper connected to each leg of my HDX-555 (with
stainless-steel shims as separators to avoid corrosion), and each
running to an 8ft. copper-clad ground rod about 10ft. away.
73
Alan NV8A
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