[TowerTalk] Aluminum for protective ground?

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

On 6/18/2014 2:38 PM, Tony Brock-Fisher via TowerTalk wrote:
> A question for the esteemed masses:
>
> What is the advisability of using aluminum conductors for lightning 
> grounds? For example, I have a ground system consisting of #6 stranded 
> copper and multiple ground rods. I would like to add on to the system, 
> and I have a bunch of #2 aluminum available (old line drop stuff). Can 
> that be used?

You'll probably get a lot of answers, but my take is:

Depends on the PH of your soil and moisture content.
Al is quite active chemically and corrodes rapidly.
>
> 1. Would it handle the current? Or would it vaporize? 

It is used from the meter to the panel quite often. When we built my 
shop and installed an underground service (both were 200A) the run from 
the meters to the panels was Al, although several sizes larger than Cu.  
That and it required re tightening the connectors over two years as the 
Al cold flows under heavy pressure.

I don't consider bare Al suitable for direct burial.

> 2. I know there are issues about Cu-AL connections which would have to 
> be addressed.
>
> What Say?
>
> -Tony, K1KP
>
>
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