[TowerTalk] connecting a copper wire to a galvanized tower

[William Q Meeker]

There has been previous discussion on TT about how to connect copper wires 
to a galvanized tower (e.g., for lightening ground protection or when the 
tower is to be used as a radiator).

My electrician has suggested to me what appears to be an especially simple 
and inexpensive solution for this need---the use of an aluminum alloy 
"mechanical lug" that bolts to whatever and has a screw-down clamp for the 
conductor. These lugs are available at any electric supply house and come 
in two sizes. The smaller one costs a little more than a dollar handles 
down to #6 wire. The larger one costs a little more than $2 and will handle 
down to #2 copper wire). The 1/4 inch hole is perfect for the smaller bolt 
on a Rhon-25 tower leg. The ones I found locally are manufactured by Ideal 
Industries. The package says clearly "for copper or aluminum conductors" 
and in a Google search I found the following description

"The Power-Connect mechanical lug line includes lugs that are UL-listed for 
600VAC for wire ranges of 6 to 14AWG through 1000 to 500kcmil cable, and 
are acceptable for use to 2000V. Lugs are dual-rated for both aluminum and 
copper conductors and are electro-tin plated, made of high-strength 
aluminum alloy. Ideal Industries, Inc."


The instructions say to use an antioxidant (presumably on the conductor 
before it is clamped).

Does anyone see a potential problem using these lugs in tower-related 
applications?

73,

Bill
K0KT






William Q. Meeker
Department of Statistics
304C Snedecor Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: 515-294-5336
Fax: 515-294-4040
Home Fax: 515-232-1323
www.public.iastate.edu/~wqmeeker