[TowerTalk] FW: Tower Grounds

[jimlux]

On 10/17/17 6:47 AM, Clay Autery wrote:
> So, would I be correct in assuming in this case, that it would be 
> "better" to have the strap bond as close to the bottom/foundation as 
> reasonable to reduce the "parallel conductor" distance?
> 
> In my case, there are threaded steel rods in the foundation, not a tower 
> section...  So the bond would be made to the tower leg that is 
> sitting/bolted in/to a steel clevis bolted to the threaded rod.  I will 
> give additional attention to this inward force to which you refer in the 
> mechanical design.... perhaps a thicker strap and more craftsmanship in 
> the shaping thereof is in order. <wink>.
> 

Why not just a lug on one of the bolts? Good clamping force, good 
electrical connection, etc.  If you've already bolted the base to the 
rods, is there enough to put a lug and a second nut on top?

This brings up an interesting point, why is everybody talking about 
making "clamps" of some sort to clamp onto a structure which has bolted 
joints?  I can see needing a clamp when you're grounding a long length 
of hardline that you don't want to break for a connector.  And I've seen 
clamps on things like chain link fence posts (typically so that the gate 
is bonded to the rest of the fence - the fence posts are set in concrete 
in the soil, so they *are* a grounding electrode)




> PS - Pretty stinkin' neat to learn something new.... Here's a link that 
> explains the math/theory at a reasonably understandable level.  <smile>
> 
> http://www.kshitij-iitjee.com/Magnetic-force-between-two-parallel-conductors 
> 
> 
> Thanks Jim!
> 
> ______________________
> Clay Autery, KY5G
> MONTAC Enterprises
> (318) 518-1389
> 
> On 10/16/2017 11:11 PM, jimlux wrote:
>>
>> Remember that parallel currents cause conductors to be forced 
>> together. So your conductor that is bowed out and away, and basically 
>> in parallel with the current carried through the base and concrete, is 
>> going to be pulled in towards the tower to try and minimize the gap.
>>
> 
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