Towertalk
[Top] [All Lists]

[TowerTalk] Lightning Observation

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Lightning Observation
From: W8JI@contesting.com (Tom Rauch)
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2001 22:41:40 -0400
Hi Ford,

> Is it possible that the three lines were temporarily DC biased by the
> lightning?  How do you explain the > 1 second to discharge the lines?

A large part of the problem is because once an arc is started, a 
very much lower voltage sustains the arc. Sometimes a breaker 
actually has to open and reset to stop the system from arcing.

It's the same problem we have with power relays, and why antenna 
relays need to be overkill and not have materials that ionize or 
carbon track easily in the arc path.
73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com 

List Sponsor: Are you thinking about installing a tower this summer? Call us
for information on our fabulous Trylon Titan self-supporting towers - up to
96-feet for less than $2000! at 888-833-3104 <A 
HREF="http://www.ChampionRadio.com";>
www.ChampionRadio.com</A>

-----
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>