[TowerTalk] Grounding HDX-555

[Steve Dyer]

Google "Ufer ground". I just learned of this the other day. I just purchased a QTH and this is how the prior owner grounded the towers.

73,
Steve
W1SRD



________________________________
 From: Jim Lux <jimlux at earthlink.net>
To: towertalk at contesting.com 
Sent: Sunday, May 5, 2013 9:45 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding HDX-555
 

On 5/5/13 9:19 AM, Brad Hyde wrote:
> Hello all, I am in the process of erecting an HDX-555.  I have the
> hole dug and most of the rebar cage built.  My question is about the
> best method of grounding.  Should I place a copper cable at the
> bottom of the hole and then attach it to the tower?

Nope.. the concrete makes a much better conductor to the surrounding 
soil than a copper wire by itself.
f


  This method
> would have the cable immersed in the concrete which makes me wonder
> about that much heat going into the concrete if lightning hits, even
> if it is just on the edge of the concrete.

OOoh.. don't have anything penetrating the concrete/soil boundary below 
grade (like that copper wire).  That makes for a small crack where the 
wire (or rebar) meets concrete into which water can creep.



  The other method I am
> thinking of would be three ground rods placed around the tower and
> connected together and to the tower with copper strap and/or very
> heavy copper wire.

Bond your copper grounding wire (which comes into the concrete through 
the top)to the rebar cage. or run 20 feet of the copper wire around 
through the concrete, as long as it's totally encased.

Something like AWG6 would be good.


  Just looking for input from the collective
> knowledge of this group as I am in a lightning prone area in west
> Texas.  Thanks. Brad W5BK
>
_______________________________________________



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