[TowerTalk] [RFI] Back of desk grounding buss

[Patrick Greenlee]

If you clean the contact area and then use the appropriate contact 
coating, you shouldn't have an oxidation problem with aluminum.

I too prefer through bolting more than tapping holes in thin soft 
materials, copper or aluminum.  If you really tighten a fastener in soft 
aluminum or copper,  then 3 threads are not enough.  Through bolting 
with stainless steel will let you tighten thoroughly.

Patrick NJ6G


3/20/2014 4:37 PM, Mike Fahmie wrote:
> I had originally replied to KG2V's query offlist, but after reading other replies I decided to post my reply to the entire list to share my concerns about using Aluminum in this application.
> -----------
> Since I've been bit as the result of an insulating oxide layer on an
> Aluminum connection, I wouldn't recommend it for your ground buss.  I
> use copper, but since it is relatively soft, I don't count on tapped
> threads, I use a nut on the backside.  If it's heavy enough so that it
> is mechanically robust, then it's probably sufficient electrically.
>
> -Mike-
>
>
>
>
>> ________________________________
>> From: "n0tt1 at juno.com" <n0tt1 at juno.com>
>> To: Charlie at TheGallos.com; rfi at contesting.com; TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 1:51 PM
>> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] [RFI] Back of desk grounding buss
>>
>>
>> FWIW, I just use a 1/8" thick x 3/4" wide aluminum bar
>> stock from the hardware store.  Goes along the back
>> of the desk (near the top) and is periodly tapped for 8/32 screws
>> to accept AL/CU rated "spade" lugs that connect to the
>> various equipment "boxes" with ~1/4" braid.  Then the strip is
>> connected to the station ground.  Works for me.
>>
>> 73,
>> Charlie, N0TT
>>
>> On Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:53:19 -0400 Charlie Gallo <Charlie at TheGallos.com>
>> writes:
>>> Hey Gang,
>>> Sort of antenna, sort of RFI, more safety..
>>>
>>> I've decided my back of desk grounding situation needs to be
>>> improved
>>>
>>> Now, we all know the standard is a nice, thick copper buss.
>>> Question is, how thick? - this will then be run down to the
>>> panel/ground rod
>>>
>>> Is Brass/Aluminum/Copper PIPE a valid alternative?  If aluminium,
>>> again, how large (I normally have round up to about 3" diameter
>>> sitting in the shop, as well an AL plate (various sizes, 3/16 thick
>>> up to 6" wide is everyday, and I have angle up to 5" wide legs, 1/4"
>>> thick around, and blocks up to 2" thick and 4" wide hanging around
>>>
>>> I intend to silver braze most of my connections, but obviously that
>>> won't work to an Al  plate,  That I'd drill, tap, and either use
>>> studs with nuts, or screws
>>>
>>> Again, we aren't talking the wall pass through here, but the buss at
>>> the back of the desk
>>>
>>> -- 
>>> 73 de KG2V - Charles Gallo
>>> Quality Custom Machine-shop work for the radio amateur (sm)
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> RFI mailing list
>>> RFI at contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
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