If the tower is bolted to galvanized pipe that is embedded in concrete of which a significant amount is in contact with soil, you have a "concrete-encased grounding electrode" which is hard to improve upon. It is not likely that a ground rod would be worthwhile, since damp concrete (concrete in intimate contact with soil at grade level) is a fairly good conductor, and such a footing or foundation has hundreds of times the surface area of a ground rod. Just be certain that your station equipment is solidly bonded to the tower and to the electrical service neutral with a #6 AWG or larger copper conductor.
Specific guidance for the grounding and bonding of radio and television antennas, including Amateur Radio systems, is found in Article 810 of NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -----Original Message----- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of agrimm0034 Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2009 9:34 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] DC Ground Lightning Protection on antenna???? I bought a nice looking RFS Celwave antenna to use on 462.600 Specs are DC ground for lightning protection but is there something I need to do to make sure it is protected? It sits on 3 legged tower 40 ft up and the tower is mounted on the side of a structure. It sets on 3 pieces of galvanized pipe that are set in concrete. Overall the tower is grounded just not as good as what I could make it be. If I ran a grounding rod into the ground and ran #8 or heavier wire to the tower would I just be wasting my time to protect the antenna or what should I do to make sure everything is protected ok. Thanks
