[TowerTalk] DO *NOT* WORK ON ANTENNAS During Rain

[Carl Smidt]

I was always taught to hop out of the field with both feet tightly together, 
hitting the ground simultaneously, thus no electrical difference between 
them.

73,  Carl  VE9OV


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Jarvis" <jimjarvis at verizon.net>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 5:27 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] DO *NOT* WORK ON ANTENNAS During Rain


>
> Dear TT:
>
> The voltage gradient in a broadcast antenna ground field,
> in the event of a direct strike has been modelled, and
> confirmed by measurement as 1,000v/m.  This was reported
> in BroadcastEngineering, as long ago as 1970.
>
> My instructions to engineering staff in event of a squall
> while within the antenna field was to HOP, or maybe to run,
> making certain that two feet never hit the ground at the same time.
> They all laughed.
>
> We had opportunity to test it.  The one guy who DID allow two feet
> to hit the ground simultaneously was 190' out, at the edge of the
> radial field, from a 190' tower.  He was treated for third degree
> burns in both feet, which were maybe .7 meter apart.
>
> Another time, while in college, I worked in local TV, and used to observe
> lightning
> hit a water tower, 1/4 mile from the studio building.  Hearing arcs on our
> CB antenna feeder, I put a DVM across the coax.  1200V spikes were
> recorded on an analog meter, coincident with each strike.  The one turn
> transformer
> effect should not be underestimated.  If you're the secondary, it could be
> shocking.
>
> Jim/N2EA
>
>
>
>
>
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