[Elecraft] Lightning Protection articles

[Joe Planisky]

Hi Don,

The KB2UYT articles from 2002 mentions a perimeter ring, but gives no  
real details as to the construction and installation of the ring.  An  
article by KD7PEI in the 8/2008 QST gives more details, but still  
fails to answer some questions such as:

How far away from the building foundation can the ring be?  Obviously  
closer means less material needed, but can it be TOO close?  Can it be  
too far?

How do you deal with concrete sidewalks, concrete driveways, stone  
patios, or other obstacles that prevent you from placing the ring  
close to the foundation?  (KB2UYT does say that "A perimeter ground  
that only goes three-quarters or half-way around the house is better  
than no perimeter ground at all."  But would it be better to get a  
complete ring with parts of it 20' away from the foundation, or a  
partial ring 3' away?)

Is there a recommended vertical separation between the ring conductor  
and other underground pipes and wires?

If you have time and are so inclined, could you perhaps tell us more  
about the ring you installed, the materials you used, and how you went  
about the installation?

73
--
Joe KB8AP


On Jan 21, 2010, at 3:56 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> ARRL Archives has the best one I know about.  It was a 3 part
> publication run in June, July and August of 2002.
> Author is W. Ronald Block, KB2UYT and carries the title of "Lightning
> Protection for the Amateur Radio Station.
> Download the 3 .PDF files - they have pictures and diagrams.
>
> That is the guidelines I used to constructed my system.  I consider  
> this
> an authoritative source, and I have not seen one since that covered  
> all
> aspects.