[TowerTalk] Fwd: grounding (again)

[jimlux]

On 4/23/18 11:13 AM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:
> Aluminum flashing is wide (low inductance) and can easily be cut to a 
> custom width if required.
> 

The problem with flashing and rectangular bars, of all materials, is 
that it's convenient for some kinds of connections (flat bolted), but 
not particularly convenient for routing.

 From a "I have to bond this flat plate with a bunch of connectors" 
standpoint, I think a standard crimp lug on stranded wire is probably 
easiest *if you have the tools*.  Ditto for stacking on a antenna tower 
bolt, etc.

If you don't have the right crimping tool, then it's a bit more tough - 
so it might be worth finding someone in your area that can do the crimps 
for you.  (Welding suppliers? Solar Panel installers? A local 
electrician? I don't know..)


The cost difference between aluminum and copper is substantial on a per 
pound (or volume) basis, but how many pounds is a typical amateur 
installation doing.

Copper AWG2 insulated wire from Home Depot costs $1.22/ft in small 
lengths. Aluminum is $0.43/ft.

But, with aluminum, you do have all the corrosion, dissimilar metal 
things... If you're running 50 ft, you're looking at a cost difference 
of $40.


Another, more subtle aspect is that your friendly local inspector will 
be familiar with "wire", not with "strap".  Bolted connections, crimped 
lugs, #2 wire is something they see every day.




> Patrick        NJ5G
> 
> 
> On 4/23/2018 5:38 AM, Hans Hammarquist via TowerTalk wrote:
>>   Hi Tom,
>>
>> I am using aluminum straps for my grounding runs. I found 6" wide 
>> traps in the garden department (don't remember what department store 
>> it was. Probably Walmart). The strips are use as edging around flower 
>> bads. They were on sale as it was the end of the season if i remember 
>> right. They came in rolls of 10 feet and have some means to be 
>> connected together in longer runs (although I don't think that 
>> connection is of any value from an electrical point).
>>