[TowerTalk] A dumb question

[Keith Dutson]

The local electrical code usually provides best information for grounding
and burial requirements.  As Jim said, this info varies by location.  So,
recommendation from another ham out of you area may not be the best
solution.

I give several Technician classes each year.  Question T0B11, "Which of the
following establishes grounding requirements for an amateur radio tower or
antenna?" is often covered during class.  The correct answer is "Local
electrical codes."

73, Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
jimlux
Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2017 9:09 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] A dumb question

On 8/26/17 6:51 PM, chuck.gooden wrote:
>
>
> When i installed the electical for my pool the city wanted the conduit
down 18 inches and this is in northern Illinois.  If it was me I would put
the coax in some pvc too.
> Chuck Gooden - K9LC
>

the electical code (which varies, check your local AHJ - authority having
jurisdiction) has a variety of depth requirements - I don't recall one for
frost line, but 18" is if it's in dirt, you can go shallower if there is
concrete over the top (e.g. it's under a sidewalk or patio).

The origin of the requirement in the code is to prevent accidentally digging
into it, and I guess they figure if you're digging more than a few inches,
you'll have called to have your utilities located, etc.

One common strategy (not necessarily to code) for shallow burial is to lay
the wire or conduit in the shallow trench, and then lay concrete tiles or a
2x4 or something over the top, then back fill.  At least your shovel will
hit something before chopping your wires off.



> -------- Original message --------
> From: N4ZR <n4zr at comcast.net>
> Date: 08/26/2017  8:28 PM  (GMT-06:00)
> To: TowerTalk <TowerTalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] A dumb question
>
> After all this time I'm contemplating my first direct buried run of 
> coax.  Hence this qwuestion - how deep is deep enough?  DoI need to 
> get below the frost line?
>

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