[1000mp] Braid or strap for ground wire...big question.

[Tom Rauch]

> Why do lightning equipment suppliers recommend and sell the very
> expensive woven stranded copper wire for connecting together lightning
> protection points and continuing on to ground instead of just normal
> stranded copper wire (of the same AWG) where the points are located on
> the roof of a house?

I often ask a similar question when designing new products. Sometimes 
the product does not not actually work as well as other solutions, 
and sometimes things are added that are unnecessary.
 
The answer is always "because we have to sell what people think they 
need or like to use". 

> lightning protection for the house as well as the antenna system.  I
> have a metal roof of approximately 6000 sq ft and the same size
> stranded copper power wiring is considerably less expensive and
> certainly more available.

Use the power wiring. It is much better for the application and less 
expensive. It was designed to handle very high fusing currents and 
last a long time. It won't fall apart or corrode from moisture 
wicking into it. It will not bend sharply, but then you aren't 
supposed to put sharp bends in grounding conductors. 

If you absolutely have to flex or move the conductor, use finely 
stranded wire or woven braiding in that area only, but make sure they 
are oversized and try to keep the braid dry and clean.

If you are going to sell lightning protection hardware and want to 
make a profit, sell something that seems special. You would be 
especially wise to concentrate on things people can't purchase 
locally for less money.73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com