[Elecraft] I need some grounding-strap guidance, if'n you please

[Don Wilhelm]

Wes,

I have built several houses myself, my father was a masonry contractor, 
and I have seen many installations of J-bolts in foundation sills - I 
have never seen any of them grounded - they are simply stuck into the 
concrete filling the blocks.  It may be different with poured 
foundations where the rebar is tied before pouring and it may be 
different in commercial structures, but for residential structures, I 
would never consider the J-bolts as an adequate ground for  anything at all.

73,
Don W3FPR

Wes Stewart wrote:
> Don offers generally good advice.  I would argue with the statement that the j-bolt sill anchors aren't grounded, however.  They may not make a good safety or made ground, but for anti-static purposes, they should be fine.
>
> Wes  N7WS
>
> --- On Mon, 8/31/09, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:
>
> From: Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] I need some grounding-strap guidance, if'n you please
> To: "Peter N. Spotts" <kc1jb at arrl.net>
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Date: Monday, August 31, 2009, 7:43 AM
>
> Pete,
>
> Work carefully with the KX1 - especially the KXB3080 low pass filter - 
> the manual is correct, but follow it *exactly* and keep your work neat - 
> use small diameter solder and do not apply too much.  Get flush cutters 
> if you do not have them already.
>
> Those bolts around the foundation are not likely to be grounded - most 
> are not.
> If you have modern wiring in that garage, ground the wrist strap and 
> anti-static mat to the center screw of the receptacle plate.  Before 
> doing that, get one of those inexpensive receptacle test devices from 
> your hardware or DIY store (the ones that just plug in and have 3 LEDs 
> as fault indicators) to be certain the receptacle is wired correctly.
>
> If you do not have the modern grounded wiring, is the electrical breaker 
> box located in the garage?  If so, run a wire to its enclosure.  If no 
> electrical box, then run a wire through the wall to the ground stake 
> outside at the electrical service entrance.
>
> Older homes may have *all* copper plumbing out to the service entry or 
> well, and can be used for a ground connection, but then consider that 
> the plumbing may have plastic splices that defeats a continuous ground path.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Peter N. Spotts wrote:
>   
>> Good morning, folks,
>>
>> I'm eagerly awaiting Wednesday's arrival of my KX-1 kit, tricked out
>> for four bands plus the auto tuner. The last two kits I built (back in
>> the day) were Heathkit's HW-8 and 2036A synthesized 2-meter transceiver.
>> That was largely before static-sensitive ICs. 
>>
>> I will be building the kit in my workshop, which occupies one
>> corner of our garage (unfinished interior walls, unpainted cement
>> floor). I'm not clear where I should hook up the other end of a wrist
>> strap or mat. One thought that occurred to me involved any bolts
>> holding down the wall framing to the cement foundation. But there may
>> be a more elegant approach. 
>>
>> I'd be grateful for any guidance!
>>
>> With best regards,
>>
>> Pete
>>    
>>
>>     
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
>
>       
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.72/2337 - Release Date: 08/31/09 05:50:00
>
>