[TowerTalk] 110 Vac up a tower

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-12-02 04:35:26 EST, ddjones@nas.com writes:

> In responding to the querry about what type of coax to use, KC5UOO
>    suggested running 110 Vac to the top of a tower to operate an antenna
>    switch.  Please note that this is potentially LETHAL unless industrial
>    grade installation guidelines are used throughout the project.  That
>    means running metal-type conduit up the tower for the AC power line.
>  
>    It is far safer to run 12 Volts ac or dc to the top of a tower to  
>    operate switches, so long as the relay coils are consistent with
>    that voltage.
>  
>    Just a word of caution........Avoid running 110 Vac up to the top of
>    a tower if at all possible, or if you EVER intend to climb that tower
>    with the AC power on!!

    I don't remember what the NEC says about this thpe of installation. I
think there is a 28 volt upper limit without the aforementioned conduit, etc.
That's probably why rotators run 28 volts or DC.

     And don't forget the GFI at the bottom.

73,  Steve  K7LXC

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