[TowerTalk] grounding

[kb9cry at comcast.net]

I don't want to beat this to death but as others have pointed out, the NEC only recognizes mechanical or exothermically welded joints.  Solder is not.  Solder will melt during the first high energy surge.  Yes if you also have a mechanical joint then you'll have that only after the strike.  But then, you may see oxidation starting to build up in the joint and possibly rendering the connection useless (meaning high resistance).  If Cadwelding is the way to go, then why not just go there.  Cadweld "Oneshots" by Erico can be purchased for around $5 -6 each if purchased in box quantities from an electrical supply house and Harger sells "Unishots" by the each for around $7 - 8.  An all brass (including brass bolts) ground clamp from Home Depot costs around $3 - 4 but will need to be re-tightened a number a times throughout the year as the weather temps cycle up and down thereby loosening the clamp.  That's been my personal experience.  I just hate to find out someone spent a lot o
 f time and some money installing a grounding system and finding out later (in a bad way of course) that it wasn't effective.  I don't like lightning inside my house and I'd recommend to all that they not chince on this part of their setup.  I'm agast when I visit other ops QTHs and look at what they don't have!  Very lucky folks.  Phil  KB9CRY