Which of the following is true when installing grounding conductors used for lightning protection?
Use only non-insulated wire
Incorrect: Non-insulated wire can be used, but insulation is not the main concern here.
Wires must be carefully routed with precise right-angle bends
Incorrect: Routing wires with precise right-angle bends is actually counterproductive for lightning protection.
Sharp bends must be avoided
Correct: Sharp bends must be avoided to prevent inductance and ensure a low-resistance path for lightning energy.
Common grounds must be avoided
Incorrect: Having a common ground is generally recommended, not to be avoided.
Explanation
When installing grounding conductors used for lightning protection, it’s crucial to ensure that the grounding system is configured properly to handle the rapid discharge of lightning energy safely into the earth. Sharp bends must be avoided because they can cause inductance in the wire, which can impede the flow of the high-frequency current associated with lightning strikes. This inductance can result in excessive heat or even arcing, potentially causing damage to the equipment and property it was meant to protect. The goal is to provide a smooth, low-resistance path directly to ground to ensure the lightning energy dissipates as quickly and safely as possible. This question emphasizes the importance of proper installation techniques for lightning protection in amateur radio setups, highlighting the need to avoid sharp bends to ensure the effectiveness of the grounding system.
T0B10 2022-2026