[TowerTalk] Copper and Aluminum

Peter Larsen ve6yc@home.com
Thu, 11 Nov 1999 00:32:54 +0000


> Can copper ribbon be clamped directly to an aluminum tower leg?

The short answer... No.
So now the explanation. As copper and aluminum are two dissimilar 
metals, if you have an electrolyte you will have made a battery.
Aluminum Ox. and water create a real good electrolyte.
So if you don't take the right precautions the galvanic currents 
will reduce your aluminum to a white powder. Not good for support
I would guess.
If you still want to do this invest in some Penetrox B or other
such product. 
I would try to think up a different way of hooking up 
your ground to the tower (a CU to AL lug maybe)
Good luck.
-- 
 Peter J. Larsen
 VE6YC  DO21wc

> If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?

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