If you clean the contact area and then use the appropriate contact
coating, you shouldn't have an oxidation problem with aluminum.
I too prefer through bolting more than tapping holes in thin soft
materials, copper or aluminum. If you really tighten a fastener in soft
aluminum or copper, then 3 threads are not enough. Through bolting
with stainless steel will let you tighten thoroughly.
Patrick NJ6G
3/20/2014 4:37 PM, Mike Fahmie wrote:
I had originally replied to KG2V's query offlist, but after reading other
replies I decided to post my reply to the entire list to share my concerns
about using Aluminum in this application.
-----------
Since I've been bit as the result of an insulating oxide layer on an
Aluminum connection, I wouldn't recommend it for your ground buss. I
use copper, but since it is relatively soft, I don't count on tapped
threads, I use a nut on the backside. If it's heavy enough so that it
is mechanically robust, then it's probably sufficient electrically.
-Mike-
________________________________
From: "n0tt1@juno.com" <n0tt1@juno.com>
To: Charlie@TheGallos.com; rfi@contesting.com; TowerTalk@contesting.com
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] [RFI] Back of desk grounding buss
FWIW, I just use a 1/8" thick x 3/4" wide aluminum bar
stock from the hardware store. Goes along the back
of the desk (near the top) and is periodly tapped for 8/32 screws
to accept AL/CU rated "spade" lugs that connect to the
various equipment "boxes" with ~1/4" braid. Then the strip is
connected to the station ground. Works for me.
73,
Charlie, N0TT
On Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:53:19 -0400 Charlie Gallo <Charlie@TheGallos.com>
writes:
Hey Gang,
Sort of antenna, sort of RFI, more safety..
I've decided my back of desk grounding situation needs to be
improved
Now, we all know the standard is a nice, thick copper buss.
Question is, how thick? - this will then be run down to the
panel/ground rod
Is Brass/Aluminum/Copper PIPE a valid alternative? If aluminium,
again, how large (I normally have round up to about 3" diameter
sitting in the shop, as well an AL plate (various sizes, 3/16 thick
up to 6" wide is everyday, and I have angle up to 5" wide legs, 1/4"
thick around, and blocks up to 2" thick and 4" wide hanging around
I intend to silver braze most of my connections, but obviously that
won't work to an Al plate, That I'd drill, tap, and either use
studs with nuts, or screws
Again, we aren't talking the wall pass through here, but the buss at
the back of the desk
--
73 de KG2V - Charles Gallo
Quality Custom Machine-shop work for the radio amateur (sm)
_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
_______________________________________
No infections found in this incoming message
Scanned by iolo System Shield
http://www.iolo.com
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
|