[TowerTalk] Fwd: Grounding question

[hanslg at aol.com]

On Tue, 11 May 2010 21:58:32 -0400, Roger (K8RI) wrote:


>First, our electrical inspector told me, after I remarked about the size 
>(or lack thereof) of the required ground after we put the drop to the 
>house underground, that the grounds were primarily for protection from 
>shock and fire.  Any lightning protection was incidental.

Your electrical inspector should study the code. :) 

Most electrical inspectors have risen through the ranks of pipe benders, 
and by kissing you know what with unions and politicians. There are, of 
course, exceptions. 

The SOLE reason for the connection of neutral to EARTH is LIGHTNING 
PROTECTION. 

73,

Jim Brown K9YC

Jim,

I believe it is the possibility that neutral may rise several thousand volts above the ground during thunder storms if it not is connected to ground at the house entry. You don't have to have a direct hit to induce rather large voltages on the power grid.

Hans - N2JFS