[TowerTalk] Tower Grounding Spec-Concerns

[Ray LaRue]

Lee Buller wrote:
> 
> I am more worried about the connections than anything else.  It seems to me
> it is hard to get a good solid connection on the galvanized tower leg.
> Using SS hoseclamps seems to be a bit cheesy for me.  Once a lighting bolt
> hits, that clamp is going to be toast.  I don't want to cad-weld onto the
> leg of my 25G either.  Also, the connection onto the ground rod is another
> area where I am not comfortable with.  I have taken to braizing the
> connection on.  Copper to copper with some silver solder.  Again, a direct
> bolt is going to melt that down pretty quickly.  I also clamp the thing with
> a copper clamp.  The wire is #8 gauge, but I think that I am going to get
> some wide copper roof flashing to make the connections.
> 
> In practical terms...connecting the leg of a galvanized tower to copper that
> is sturdy, rigit and won't melt keeps me up at night during a thunderstorm.
> Never been hit, but there is the first time.
> 
> So...  comments?
> 
> Lee
> k0wa@southwind.net
> 
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Lee,
Please put a galvanic buffer metal between that copper and your 
galvanized tower.  A connector made of brass is probably the most 
available.  The copper on galvanize will leach away the zinc and ruin the 
protection on your tower.  Use utility grade connectors.  
73,
Ray, W4BYG

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