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Re: [TowerTalk] Aluminum for protective ground?

To: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Aluminum for protective ground?
From: Ray Benny <rayn6vr@cableone.net>
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:33:00 -0700
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I agree, Al is not good direct buried.

Al underground will deteriorate/disappear quickly, perhaps less than a year
depending on the soil PH and moisture content.

Ray,
N6VR


On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 2:17 PM, Roger (K8RI) on TT <
K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net> wrote:

> On 6/18/2014 2:38 PM, Tony Brock-Fisher via TowerTalk wrote:
>
>> A question for the esteemed masses:
>>
>> What is the advisability of using aluminum conductors for lightning
>> grounds? For example, I have a ground system consisting of #6 stranded
>> copper and multiple ground rods. I would like to add on to the system, and
>> I have a bunch of #2 aluminum available (old line drop stuff). Can that be
>> used?
>>
>
> You'll probably get a lot of answers, but my take is:
>
> Depends on the PH of your soil and moisture content.
> Al is quite active chemically and corrodes rapidly.
>
>
>> 1. Would it handle the current? Or would it vaporize?
>>
>
> It is used from the meter to the panel quite often. When we built my shop
> and installed an underground service (both were 200A) the run from the
> meters to the panels was Al, although several sizes larger than Cu.  That
> and it required re tightening the connectors over two years as the Al cold
> flows under heavy pressure.
>
> I don't consider bare Al suitable for direct burial.
>
>
>  2. I know there are issues about Cu-AL connections which would have to be
>> addressed.
>>
>> What Say?
>>
>> -Tony, K1KP
>>
>>
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