On 10/11/11 2:28 AM, Tony wrote:
> All,
>
> I need ground wire for my tower and was wondering if someone could
> recommend an online supplier? The TT archives suggest heavy gauge solid
> copper and that's what I intend to install. The local stores I've
> checked have stranded only. One supplier suggested tinned solid to
> extend the life of the wire which, he says, adds pennies to the price.
> It sounds like a good idea, but I've never heard anyone mention tinned
> wire for tower grounding before.
>
Every hardware store around (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) sells AWG 6 bare
copper. What diameter wire were you looking for? AWG 6 is what the
electrical code requires for most applications.. There's not much call
for bigger as a solid wire. AWG10 solid is also used for a lot of
things. If you want bigger (AWG2 or 2/0), then stranded is where it's
at, although I don't know why you would need something that big for a
tower (you see it where it needs to bridge across something moving: like
a gate or a tilt fixture)
As far as tinned, for protection? Maybe? I've never seen it. If you
want protection, why not enameled (motor rewinding shops are a good
place to get enamel wire at the per pound price)
Copper is a commodity, and, in general, you're unlikely to get a much
better price (after you add shipping) from an online source than a local
one (unless you're buying it in tiny lengths retail).
There are local anomalies: If you have a retailer who bought a huge
amount of stock when prices were low, and copper prices are heading up,
and the retailer doesn't raise prices. Or vice versa. So it pays to
check.
But for the most part, you can compare your wire price against the spot
price for copper and see whether you're getting an OK deal.
You might find a surplus place who is willing to sell you a spool of
wire at the scrap price (so you're not paying for the drawing a bar down
to wire and the paperwork).
> Tony
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