Jim, $8-$10 per connection certainly gives me motivation to seek
alternatives. I have done some reading and consulting since previous
posting. I have the equipment and the skill and now after some consultations
and reading I have an understanding of the methods needed. I realize not
everyone is so equipped and for them Cadweld "shots" at $10 are likely a
wise choice. I would never say never regarding my use of Cadweld. Who
knows, maybe one day I will need to make a connection out in the boonies
where there is no electrical power and terrain prevents getting close with
my welding trailer and my back pack oxyacetylene rig is unavailable for
silver solder alternatives.
For proper mounting of such items as AlphaDelta TransiTrap surge protectors
to ground rods I prefer welding a stainless steel tab at or near the top of
the rod. A drilled hole in this tab makes a fine mount for the protective
device. Similarly a ground wire or braid terminated with a soldered terminal
can be through bolted to a similar tab and then weatherproofed with your
favorite goo. I personally prefer this to the screw clamp sold for ground
rod connection at the electrical supply house. Much of my hands on
experience comes from the marine applications environment where salt air and
some salt water splashing is the normal environment. Where I live there are
no permits required and no inspections. I prefer to try to understand the
science behind "code" and meet or exceed its performance rather than
slavishly follow it.
My situation is not unique but it does place me a few sigma out on the bell
curve. Most hams don't have the freedom I exercise. What with permits,
inspections, home owner associations, height restrictions, small lot sizes,
RFI/TVI etc. I feel sorry for the average Joe trying to pursue a nice hobby
while surrounded by Philistines.
73,
Patrick AF5CK
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim W7RY
Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 10:10 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee ; Jim Lux ; towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding of tower
I will be brushing up on welding of copper to copper as for me it would be
so very much more cost effective than the Cadweld approach.
Patrick AF5CK
Cadweld one shots are about $8.00-$10.00 each. A copper clad ground rod is
just that a thin copper plating.
73
Jim W7RY
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Lux
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 10:48 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding of tower
On 5/6/13 2:13 PM, Hans Hammarquist wrote:
Gentlemen,
It's hard to believe that a screw connection can be approved for burial.
Even if it is allowed, and why wouldn't it, I still would (very strongly)
prefer to be able to inspect them now-and-then.
It's not, in general.. compression screw terminals need to be either
above grade or in an inspection well, like your PVC pipes. or the
sprinkler valve boxes mentioned in another post.
I used short pieces of 4" schedule 40 PVC pipes around my ground
connections. Lowes has (I am sure) caps that fit over the 4" pipes so
grass and other stuff can cover them. I also like to be able to run the
lawn mower over it without problems.
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