[TowerTalk] Copper pipe for ground rods?

[k6el@comcast.net]

Alan,
I have used both the copper clad steel rod, and copper 3/4" copper pipe on several grounding applications in different soil textures. (from rocky clay to loam) 
Aside from the obvious cost advantage of  copper pipe, I really prefer the pipe for it's ease of installation.  If you have a source of pressurized water and a hose, it is a piece of cake to hydro-jet a 10 foot section into just about any soil including dense clay or fiable rocky material including granular volcanic material on the the Big island of Hawaii. (about 3" minus)
Once you try this method, you will never go back to any other.
 
Jon
K6EL
--


> Alan,
> 
> Depending on your soil, you probably won't be able to get it in as deep as a
> real ground rod before you start to smash the copper; at least that was my
> experience with one I use for an electric fence around my tomatoes (I have
> Labradors).  It only went in three or four feet, but it works fine for my
> purpose.
> 
> 73 - JC, k0hps at amsat.org
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Alan NV8A (ex. AB2OS)
> Sent: Friday, June 10, 2005 8:24 PM
> To: towertalk reflector
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Copper pipe for ground rods?
> 
> Any reason not to use copper pipe for ground rods instead of the
> outrageously expensive copper-clad steel ones that have almost doubled
> in price over the last year or so?
> 
> They may not comply with the NEC, but they would only be supplementary
> to the existing NEC-compliant grounding system anyway.
> 
> Alan NV8A
> _______________________________________________
> 
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> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
> Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
> and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> 
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