[TowerTalk] grounding

[Cqtestk4xs@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/9/05 2:06:50 AM Greenwich Standard Time, 
garyschafer at comcast.net writes:
As far as Polyphaser protection devices go, you really don't need them 
if you disconnect the lines from the equipment and ground the shield and 
center conductor of the coax when not in use.
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I wish that was true.  It is not.  Three years ago, before I got the 
Polyphasers,  I had disconnected as you said.  Unfortunately the lightning traveled 
and jumped on to the Al-Foil aluminum insulation material near the entrance box. 
 It then proceeded down the AlFoil about three feet behind the sheetrock and 
entered the wall attached steel shelving that the disconnected coax/rotor 
cable inside the house was laying on.  From there it was off to the shack, the 
computers in two other rooms (through the router) and the TV's through the house. 
 $8000 damage.  All this from totally disconnected cables and nothing plugged 
into the mains.

Something else to consider too.  It is possible to pick up a 'bolt out of the 
blue" while operating, or even have a discharge from a hit far away.  Having 
no Polyphaser in line means sudden death for the equipment (and possibly the 
op).  The Polyphaser is just another line of defense against mother nature down 
here in the lightning capitol.

I pull all connections when not on the air..and have the Polyphasers in line. 
 It's worked for three years now.

By the way, I love to show visitors the big blast mark on the closet wall 
from the hit.

Bill K4XS