When I used galvanized electric fence wire for radials under
a pair of 80 / 160 inverted L's, I found the radial wire had
rusted heavily in only a few years (3 or 4?). They disintegrated
in a few more.
At my previous QTH I had used ALUMINUM welding wire which
was still strong and intact after 3 years.
My insulated stranded radials hold up to all elements except
the lawnmower! (The terrain in my woods is pretty rough)
de Tom N4KG
On Wed, 13 Oct 1999 18:28:44 -0700 Kurt Andress <K7NV@contesting.com>
writes:
>
>
> "Roger D. Johnson" wrote:
> >
> > Be aware that there are TWO types of chicken wire
> > on the market......galvanized BEFORE weaving and
> > galvanized AFTER weaving. If you look closely at
> > the points where the wires are twisted around one
> > another, the galvanized after weaving type looks like
> > it's been soldered. To avoid corrosion and possible
> > poor connections at these crossover points, I would
> > recommend using only the galvanized after weaving
> > type of chicken wire.
> >
>
> Hi Roger,
> Sure makes sense that the post weaving galvanize is best.
>
> I have a question for our experts.
> Is galvanized steel wire going to provide reasonable/acceptable
> performance in the ground screen?
>
> I'm sure copper is a better conductor, would someone be kind enough
> to
> help put these materials into perspective for us in this
> application.
>
> The soil chemistry has a lot to do with longevity. Its dry, sandy
> and
> alkaline here.
>
> I noticed some galvanized steel electric fence wire at "Supply None"
> the
> other day for 1/2 cent a foot. I recall that Davis RF had some
> copper
> wire for 1 1/2 cents per foot.
>
> Should we expect 3 times the performance and/or longevity by
> spending 3
> times more? YPMV (your prices may vary).
>
> Maybe, just like ground rods, one may be better in one location than
> another for longevity. Surely, the jacketed copper wires have an
> advantage against corrosion. I'd hate to think that I'd have to
> replace
> the galvanized wire 3 times in the lifetime of the copper
> alternative.
>
> Maybe some more discussion would make it easier for each to make the
> best informed decisions for their situation.
>
> --
> 73, Kurt, K7NV
>
> --
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